Anxiety and Triggers: Overcoming PTSD and Avoidance

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As far as triggers go, there’s an interesting new trend: trigger warnings, as in “Hey guys I'm going to be talking about some intense topic, so look out.” But these warnings may be actually making things worse, because most people have no idea what to do with real triggers other than avoid them.
In this video I’m going to teach you what a trigger is, how they form, what you do that makes them worse, and the basic principle behind how to overcome them.
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Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love www.churchofjesuschrist.org/c...
If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.
Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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[@wwkcd7657]

Today, I took a shower with the dimmed lights, talked to someone new, listened to a band that gives me anxiety, sat alone with my thoughts, and ate a food I was afraif of :) I'm super proud. I'm so determined to feel free again.

[@tracynewton3083]

Well done honey. Try small like ten min self compassion meditation when you wake up. Self compassion regulates the vagus nerve. Test yourself you won't die, if you do, youd never know🤔😂

[@jm00124]

​@@tracynewton3083 ppoollpip08pip

[@jm00124]

Pppppp⁰p

[@Fabz_media]

How are you doing

[@LuisMolina-xm6ch]

dfdsfdsfsdfdsfds

[@jodywagner1099]

I'm a person that "freezes", also, I have what I call a "delayed reaction" to anything that happens that creates stress or anxiety. In other words, I don't have any reaction right away, I "numb out" and I will usually feel it when I'm finally alone and it feel "safe to feel".

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

Omg me too

[@lisainwonderland7302]

Thought I was the only one

[@patglennon9671]

DISASSOCATION ?

[@danceonyourtoes]

I understand this so much! thank you for putting it into words. often i just feel incredibly stupid once i can finally react to what happened. but like emma said, these are survival reaponses so thank our mindbodies for keeping us alive.

[@227Love]

Wow...I have that too

[@kuranagit9840]

My triggers are constantly being emotionally hurt by people. So I keep everybody I meet at a distance to avoid the possibility of going through certain things again

[@seanm7539]

That’s not healthy at all because you need human interaction without that you will slowly start to recluse into yourself and that’s not good at all and I don’t want that for you so if you need a friend I’m always here and you can always come talk to me OK.

[@seanm7539]

Just know that you are loved

[@seidenschnabelfederflugel5441]

Same. I feel you. We can overcome this. ♥️🙏😖

[@renticat]

Me too.. Shit even like i tried different ways it would only end the same. So right now i fee like helpless and maybe the best way is not to get involved too much ever again. Still sometimes is lonely... But it's better than getting hurt of things that i knew better i can prevent it from the start if I am not engaging too much on it.

[@ellekay852]

Emma, your channel is saving my life one day at a time. Everyday I feel stronger and more hopeful that I can have a happy life free from the prison of panic, anxiety and ptsd and it’s thanks to you and your channel.

[@jennifertravis8525]

Yes! I agree! I have been searching for information around my issues for years. None of it has been broken down like Emma’s material. I am so happy to find information that I can relate to, understand and apply. Thank you, Emma! You really have a gift.

[@Dr34Hornet]

Creating anxiety about anxiety about sums things up for me. I worry about worrying! It's the fear and consequence of the fears.

[@jaymoraski]

I can understand

[@franof505]

I was neglected and abused as a child. Now, I feel everyone and everything is a threat. I don’t trust anyone and it affects my relationships. I’ve tried forgiving and thought I did. I Was doing really good until recently. I had a baby and then the pandemic hit. Your videos reassure me that I’m not crazy. Thank you💜

[@pamelapowell4463]

Me to you not alone

[@a.b.creator]

Me too, I understand

[@hobolove2468]

Praying for you hope things are better❤️‍🔥🙏🏼❤️‍🔥

[@kimjasmine7767]

Ya. Usually trust problem after trauma and bad experiences.

[@victoriam3894]

You are not alone 🙏🏽 💜

[@georginawilliams6977]

I avoid by dissociating, shopping, eating, scrolling, sleeping. Complex PTSD is so tough to rewire. I keep exposing myself to triggers though and breathing deeply as I do. It’s a challenge but it’s possible with awareness, courage and perseverance.

[@noremac4807]

Strength to you Georgina! Life is tough, but so are you….a little message my son put on my phone for me. Also, have you read “The Happiness Trap”?

[@lkmememe]

Me too but we are aware, thats an improvement ❤

[@nancyritland9116]

thank you, thank you, thank you! i spent 33 years in a very abusive cult..........and you are helping me more that any therapist i have ever been to i love your calm and caring voice, and that you come right to the point, and you are so easy to understand.....you are a great teacher

[@ikeozuzu645]

wow, your a survivor, you can do anything.. keep pushing and doing whatever makes YOU happy!

[@mahrokhshayanpour3165]

It is likely that you were not ready for the therapy state you were taken to at the time... you were taken to in therapy. It happens a lot, the therapist just takes the client to face the fear while the person is not cleared enough to enter that stage of treatment; then client significantly gets worse and thinks therapy is useless; which in fact the method was not right and was not meeting client's state at the moment.

[@marietorri]

I agree, she is awesome. Her voice has a calming caring effect that makes you feel everything is going to be alright. 🤗

[@Dr34Hornet]

Religious deception is probably the worst form of mental anguish and confusion. That is....from extra-Biblical sources like cults, etc...not true Faith in God. God is not the author of confusion 1 Corinthians 14:33.

[@Dr34Hornet]

I don't mean to preach....I speak from experience...even my own self deception type thinking. I don't believe in the health, wealth, prosperity gospel....but a part of me has my own health and prosperity gospel....causing me distress and anxiety...magical thinking etc....

[@amylynn6870]

The anxieties that I avoid are: almost all social situations (especially being in groups), public places with a lot of people, and arguing with my daughter. I have been working on trying to “uncouple” these pairings for a while now. It is so difficult but I know possible. I just have to work at placing myself in these situations and telling myself I am safe. I love how you hit on this subject so well. I liked being reminded that my brain can be rewired, of its neuroplacisity. Change is possible. I feel so hopeful again, as my struggle has been so difficult in my efforts. I have to accept progress over perfection. I need to remind myself I didn’t get this way overnight and for no reason; my brain is just doing its God given job, and reprogramming it is not a straight line or method, it’s going to take a lot of hard work, patience and time.

[@aaronfarkas6890]

Hi Amy Kling ...Good luck on your journey...was wondering if you have someone with whom you can feel a sense of safety and trust around...for me. it’s my wife...and also telling myself, and acknowledging that what I’m feeling is fear...and ptsd...and that , even though, it feels really scary...so scary in fact, that maybe I’ll even become crazy... however, if I can ... allow myself to breathe slowly and deeply... it allows my nervous system to calm down...that the fear won’t kill me, and I won’t go crazy, either.

[@amylynn6870]

Aaron Farkas thanks. I have my boyfriend. We don’t live together so it’s difficult for me at the moment when most of my days are spent alone, unless my daughter is home, but she is only 16. I do feel safe most the time at my house, however isolating. I try and get out as much as I can with these diseases. Life ain’t easy...but with growth and healing it will get better...best of luck to you too.

[@diverstalent]

Emma, what?!?? “Anxiety is uncomfortable but is actually safe” you blow my mind!! BIG THANK YOU! Sousan

[@vaibhav9876]

I was literally helpless today and as feeling that no matter how har I try my situation can never improve as I have grown in an abusive environment. I just prayed god just show me the way to improve this situation and Here I am seeing your video Committing to face all my fears and triggers from now onwards thanks a lot I am glad people like you are there for people who can afford going to therapy ❤️❤️❤️💖

[@AA-eq2zq]

Here's a reminder to watch something again 💛 Her videos really help me too!

[@wishfulthinking9399]

Emma McAdam, you're like my imaginary best friend who gives the best advice and instruction ever! You are clearly walking out your purpose in life and changing the quality of life for countless others. Seriously, society is going to be a better place as more people watch and learn from your videos. Even children, dogs, cats, birds, etc are benefitting from parents/owners who are now emotionally healthier because of you. Emma McAdam, you're a true blessing to this world. Thank you for answering the "Call". God bless you.

[@anontill5302]

You've helped me understand more about neroplasticity than the 2 day workshops I've attended.

[@anontill5302]

@@sunset33533 I only understood mindfulness recently but knew about it since 'The peaceful warrior'. It's so simple and tru.

[@budgieterminal7426]

"if you can't explain it simply - you don't know it well enough."

[@Sapotequeen]

True. I discovered I have to learn it several times until my brain finally fully absorbs this information

[@budgieterminal7426]

i mean i agree with you 🙂

[@isarose3136]

Thank you for addressing triggers that might be dangerous. Mine is men who yell terribly, and in my neighborhood it seems people who need to get angry on the phone do it outside, where I can hear them.

[@laneymae]

I just want to put this out for the viewers: she is not referring to ALL avoidance. It will be very important to build discernment and boundary skills in order for this behavior modification to be effective. If you avoid something because it triggers you make sure you understand why that triggers you and work through that. If you avoid it because it causes you stress, like social media, understand that social media while technically 'safe' can be toxic so avoidance can actually be healthy. This is how discernment and boundary skills can be helpful. Make sure you have a professional that supports your therapy needs and can guide you through these resources and help tailor it to your specific needs.

[@Maya82]

Thank you Emma. I'm currently battling trauma responses from an event that happened a year ago. Several months ago I decided that I wanted to dissociate certain places, a music album and some other small things from the trauma. Especially because many of the items on this list used to give me joy before the event. So I visited those places several times, I listened to that album while doing some diy or coloring pages etc. now I still associate these things with the traumatic event sometimes but it doesn't happen every single time, and it doesn't trigger the bad emotions that are linked with the traumatic event. After watching this video today, I realized there's still a few things that I do immediately associate with the traumatic event and that I keep avoiding. I'm gonna make a list today and address those as well. Thank you so much, your videos have helped me tremendously in the past year. Part of this is due to the fact that I'm not feeling validated by the only person that knows about the trauma, they just think I should shake it off. But thanks to your videos I'm learning that X is caused by Y and that Z is a natural response et cetera. This allows me to validate my own feelings and not need external validation or aknowledgement of the pain I suffered. Nobody will ever know what I endured, what I felt, the scars I bear. Nobody will ever understand me better than myself. Knowing how my brain works is like a cheat code to do what's necessary to bring it back to a healthy state. I'm the only one that knows exactly *what* I'm working with and you are teaching me *how* to do it. I'll never thank you enough.

[@bluefluke7585]

I struggle with triggers from my PTSD, and this is the only time I've heard an approach to recovery that offers a step by step plan that has perked me up and given me hope. I'm in 12-step recovery, so it makes sense to me. Thank you.

[@zombiesusi]

It's so nice when someone's finally explaining how these things work. "Be positive" etc. doesn't help much, it's actually rather discouraging, because you don't know the mechanism and logic behind your depression/anxiety/whatever, that it's a learned behavior accompanied by some ancient instincts. It only leads to another downwards spiral with self accusation of not being able to just snap out of it and think positively like everyone else. But once you learn it's not because you suck, your thinking patterns only are skewed and can be replaced with better ones, the feeling is so liberating and gives you motivation to go on. Thank you so much for these videos!

[@danielnunesgomes8833]

I would like to thank you for offering so much help through social media. You helped me a lot with my mental condition in general. I could see myself in all videos that I've watched so far and it is still helping me. I have some goals towards my life, my health and well being and I know I will achieve it with your help. I learnt how to apply most of techniques of CBT among other to my day by day life and I'm improving and getting better each day. My sincere gratitude for being such a great professional and human being. You are doing a great job. Thank you so much!

[@bunny2032]

@15:20 you telling me I “can do it!” really made me believe I *can* do it. ❤️

[@RebeccaGardner23]

Emma, I am always so encouraged by your videos - as a clinical trainee, they have given me better insight. Your delivery is so practical and helpful. Thank you for all you do!

[@sc6115]

Thank you so much for your help!. I had a traumatic event 3 weeks ago, lost 9 lbs in one week. Took nausea medicines and decided that I could not let a trauma define my life. The day I found you, I took your videos very serious. You taught me that facing my fears is the only way to overcome anxiety. First week wouldn't get out of my house I was afraid of everything even people. However, everyday I would push myself to do something that it was part of my daily activities and tell my brain with love that it can turn off the FF alarm. I had no reason to be anxious. Since then I made so much improvement. Im getting my life back, and every time I feel anxious I feel my symptoms (which now are mild) and tell my brain that I dont need to escape from any danger, that I am safe. Forever grateful!. You are being my angel!

[@helenahandkart1857]

Ok, just psused the vid. My go avoidant behaviours are reading, social media, sleeping, & buying stuff for some imaginal future life. They are things with a good side but have become bad automatic habits.

[@YuliyaNYK]

But what if most of my triggers are involve other person, that one cannot control how other person will act? And moreover my subconscios brings the trigerring reactions of other? Like: rejection, neglect, disrespect, abandonment, cold shoulder, break up, etc. These thins that trigger me into danger responses.

[@erinm3567]

Yes I understand you. Same situation here.

[@danceonyourtoes]

This is what i'm trying to figure out too. people are unlredictable, and when you have a fear of people, it's hard to uncouple your anxiety with something that is unpredictable

[@kimmmerkim5811]

Yes. My fears revolve around PEOPLE I can't tell if a person is dangerous or not until it is too late. I cannot control what others do I can only control me, and get the hell out of there.

[@TheOriginalFreak]

@@kimmmerkim5811 what are u concerned these people will do to you? What have they done to u in past that causes you fear, anxiety, etc.? How are the people u r currently anxious at being around similar to those that have caused u real harm in the past? I had similar issues in the past. Then I began to think “is this person I am near today, anything like the other person in the past who caused me harm?” If so how are they similar? And lastly, are any of those similarities likely to cause them to harm me? In most cases the person I am encounting today is similar in some ways, however those similarities are not connected to the reasons the person in the past harmed me . For example: I was harmed by a man, with a trucker cap, who hard missing teeth, and was a drunk and pedophile. The persons teeth and hat are not the characteristics that let him to harm me. The fact he was a pedo was the primary cause with his drinking being a likely contributing factor in that he almost certainly would not have harmed me in my past if he was NOT a pedo. If the past man had not been drunk he may have still harmed me but it is unclear. However, this new person is not going to harm me just because he has bad teeth or is wearing a hat. Nor is he a pedo just because he has bad teeth or because he wears a hat. It is helpful to me to identify specifically WHY the harm in the past occurred and then focus on how to accurately identify the true reason and ignore those characteristics of the harmful person which have nothing to do with why they harmed me as well as those which cannot universally be connected with harmful people as the are also characteristics of “safe” people; there are both safe and unsafe people who wear caps, whom have bad teeth,etc.

[@isaacsanders9203]

After a couple of anxiety videos I started feeling better fast... then after felt down.. watching some more. The more positive and action driven info is helping. Thank you

[@psycherevival2762]

Appreciate your generous work so much Emma. You are so easy to understand, and your demeanour is so calming. Thank you.

[@danashannon8234]

I also feel like I have the emotional IQ of a toddler. Can't self soothe anymore before. I had a great life before this. I was a RN for 14 years. I felt quite self actualized. I'm nothing like I was.

[@sachakeating2528]

Thank you so much for these videos...even just the sound of your voice helps! I've been having terrible anxiety & PTSD after a bad accident last year which I've felt stuck in for months now....I'm working through each of your videos & already I'm seeing a difference in my calmness....please keep them coming... thank you 🥰

[@margaretdrumm6658]

My avoidance techniques are talking to people about the cause of my anxiety (which can be genuinely helpful sometimes, but it often devolves into me just fishing for reassurance that everything is ok and I'm not a bad person), talking to my mom, watching KZbin, or going and joining some social event. Showering, writing in my journal, or drinking tea are also all very soothing, but to me those aren't distractions so much as a way to soothe my agitated nervous system. I'm pretty good about not avoiding triggers, but I do try to avoid feeling the anxiety.

[@federicocolonna8904]

Thank you from deep in my heart. Your videos are helping me so much during these difficult times. Thank you ❤️

[@adorablecats9891]

LOVED THIS!!! Sooo very helpful. I just shared today with my holistic health group about how I learned from you about how avoidance of a trigger only makes it worse the next time. You helped me in this video to learn even so much more. Help me to figure out that since I have triggers being in a public space with loud bounding music that triggers me, I will actually start listening to music like that in my home and titrate it until my nervous system begins to feel safer. So excited to realize this after hearing you just now. So thankful for you sweet lady. ❤

[@ranicalerp7765]

Thank you for adding the "what if a trigger IS dangerous" at the end. I was wondering about that. I get really panicked in cars ever since I almost wrecked really badly. You have great advice in your videos! Thanks so much!

[@brentdowney5815]

Thank you for placing possibilities out into the world that can help, though they might feel dangerous. Perception n experience of safety n capability has helped me. Your calm tone n simple explanations have helped me to increase my own work that i am doing for myself. Thank you for your compassion n patience to explain n care. hugs.

[@minervabaez3681]

Emma, your vids are so enlightening and give me courage. I’ve read many books on anxiety, panic attacks, self-help and mindfulness. I take 2 steps forward and 4 steps backwards - so frustrating! I had a bad experience driving over a double bridge (I was driving on the top level) when the wind shifted my car almost to the other lane. After that experience I began avoiding driving over bridges…that was around 15 years ago. The fear manifested into avoiding driving on highways, then avoiding driving to places I’m not familiar with. In summary, the feelings I experience are my legs and hands shake uncontrollably, my hands become sweaty, my mouth completely dry, I get a headache, my heart begins to palpitate and I can feel it in my throat, I lose focus as to where I’m suppose to be going losing any sense of direction and I feel I’m going to crash into another vehicle and freak out in public. It literally drains my body. I now avoid driving on highways because not sure if I have to cross a bridge. This has caused me to become angry, sad, frustrated and has kept me from being the free-spirited person I was when the only thing I thought about was driving to where I needed to go without hesitation.

[@kayjenkins4262]

Thank you so much, I love the way you explain anxiety triggers and how to deal with them.

[@MommaBubbly]

I can attest to this having gone through it! Thank you so much for putting it into such an understandable video. It all clicks and makes sense 💜

[@gregorysantilli8600]

You're beyond wonderful. Thank you 1000 times over for what you've doing ♥️

[@TM-hl9me]

Thank you for throwing light on causes and ways of rewiring the brain.

[@middleearth8809]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have learned so much. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

[@maudmulwa9378]

This is very informative, I always experience my heart beating fast, sweating, nausea and sometimes I won't realize what goes on around me when I remember my workplace hostility and stigma or words thrown to me. I now know how to better face my triggers. Thank you.

[@pam164]

I needed this im trying to push negatives thoughs out my mind that make me very anxious, tight chest, churning stomach and being very scared. Just lost my job had a awful boss who has ground me down then sacked me, i know im better off in long run but im grabbling with anxiety.

[@puffymuffin9064]

I try to push it on my thoughts too but sometimes it there peeping through I always get a weird funny feeling in the tummy talking to some people don't know why...sorry about your situation not nice

[@EmpressRetard]

wonderfully accurate description, I especially loved the beginning facts about why people yelling "triggered" all the time is not progressing anything, it's terribly regressive!

[@zeldamygermanshepherd]

Hello Emma! Thank you SO MUCH!! With all my heart for everything that you do for everyone!!! Oh my gosh this means everything to me!! Your knowledge this video has HELPED ME SO MUCH!!!! I can NOT thank you enough, you have helped me extremely beyond words!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@mamadoom9724]

My go to ways to avoid feeling anxious are drinking, smoking, and avoiding social situations as much as possible. I’m loving your advice. I’m going to work on this. This is stuff I inherently know but needed the nudge to get started putting it into practice.

[@pedrosmith221]

Pavlov was probably conditioned to feed his dog every time he heard a bell ring.

[@delyta.]

Lol

[@jayalexander6798]

ROFL. But please fix the typo. It's Pavlov. Cheers.

[@danceonyourtoes]

this cheered me up thank you mate

[@LukenUSee]

That sneaky little dog!

[@BooBoo-pu1jh]

😆 🤣 😂 😹

[@y04a]

Thank you so much for your work. Unhelpful ways I avoid my emotions etc -switching the topic, leaving, switching jobs, smoking weed, eating, endless television

[@elysiumcore]

Thank you - I am working though my anxiety .You are a guiding light - much appreciated

[@evilorelei9809]

You're very well versed on psychology and the human condition. Thank you for sharing your expertise, you helped me at just the right moment 🦋

[@thafernandes2352]

This helped me sooooo much, wish i could thank you in real life. Thanks for doing this life changing work

[@thatdude_93]

I certainly avoid anxiety by watching youtube videos or texting people. I also focus on my breathing during moments of growing anxiety/discomfort, but I'm not sure if that counts as avoidance. Thanks for the helpful video!

[@alilsunshine7172]

Wonderful, helpful, succinct and understandable explanation and examples on this topic! Thank you!

[@SilverWolfTearz]

It's awesome that you mentioned "coping skills" as a way to actually practice avoidance. As soon as you said that I realized that's something I've been doing for a while. At one point I really, really needed to just put the world down and grab a coloring book, journal, be alone, etc- but there are times where I know I'm really just scared and avoiding the responsibilities of life. And I know it's not even something to be scared of- which is the most frustrating thing- it's just that the avoidance has been practiced for so long that my brain doesn't believe it. The limbic system is stuck, much to the dismay of my cortex (and sense of self-esteem). It's also really great, to me, that you mentioned "trying not to care". I've been going through a divorce with my husband and it's been the most challenging time in my life so far (which is saying a lot). He's always been a super-avoider (which is a big reason why I left him, but now some of that has rubbed off on me!) and immediately got a new partner and bounced state. He kept saying "I'm over it", but I knew that wasn't the case. Now I see he was just practicing another kind of avoidance. Thank you for your help!!!

[@affsheenyousaf9961]

This video has been really helpful. Thanks alot

[@reddeadrudy8488]

Awesome video helps me really understand the breakdown and things I can do to help me out thanks!!

[@nermeenali9736]

I love how u said it smoothly 11:07

[@Grayfox3214]

Thank you for this video! I’m starting to understand my reactions to triggers!

[@ginas.4266]

Fantastic explanation. Thank you!

[@aaronfarkas6890]

Excellent presentation...and useful information...I found it helpful... thanks for sharing.

[@lenahammargren6951]

This helped me a lot. Thank you Emma💞

[@melissaroehrich276]

This video had perfect timing because this is what I'm learning about in my psychology class this week, even Pavlov's dog experiment!

[@MilesMontgomery-pj4xc]

Yes, Thank you! This is a great video!

[@leticiaaguilar154]

I love your videos and avoiding triggers is something I have been doing and you are correct about the subject I am avoiding has gotten bigger not going away. I will check your playlist.

[@mountainbabe]

Your videos are so soothing thank you ❤️

[@kerryleecorr8033]

thank you soooo much! you haven idea how much this video has helped me!

[@Rose-ls5vp]

Thank you so much. This video really helpful for me to deal with my anxiety^^

[@Californiansurfer]

Growing up , I would always get triggered by the word Mexican, but why its my heritage. I had to relearn that its’ pronounced in spanish its so beautufl mexicano. Well, today working in shepherdsville kentucky , my co workers use this word to trigger me, but it doesnt effect me.. Today, I know how to relearn. I Majored in Psychology 1998, but today I am in tech industry.. Downey California

[@juliai3956]

As a Kentuckian, let me apologize for my state's lingering discrimination. Bunch of old timey folks here.

[@MegF142857]

But NOT LatinX. That woke term triggers me a bit. I'm half Mexican-American on my Mom's side. That ole Pancho Villa drove my maternal great & grandparents over the border fleeing for their lives leaving everything behind in Mexico. Thankfully no border control rules back in 1913! :-) Millions came into the US from south during that time. Some relatives went back later when safer, but my grandparents stayed & started over.

[@Vintagebeliever]

I avoid a sibling, who whenever I communicate with her, I get high anxiety. :(

[@leticiaaguilar154]

Vintagebeliever I have the exact issue of avoiding a sister that creates anxiety every time we talk, I have grown to be ok not connecting with her.

[@runningfree4537]

SO do I and some other people hwo live nearby too

[@eknas001233]

Good 😌

[@IRanaNADA]

SAME

[@juliai3956]

Same. But she's a narc and I'm not sorry.

[@SMH-vi4ht]

But maybe many of theese triggers arent triggers but re-victimization. Havent people heard of the situation of people having complex PTSD and keep on attracting the same people and situations over and over again.

[@Omnipulsar]

Thats exactly what happens to me there's no escape from it

[@W_V4lley]

Wha how does that happen?

[@y04a]

That's a tough one. The idea of self fulfilling prophesy. I think if we are working to overcome the trigger and expose ourselves to those situations of being triggered differently, using techniques she recommends... Well, thats the opposite of vicitimhood. Good luck 💗🍀

[@kimreid1781]

You are an incredible person

[@Debrat-vx8yj]

thank you. Your videos really help

[@e0031]

Great video , really helped me ! appreciated Dr .. thank you

[@endeavoratari5217]

When faced with a situation, I tend to physically and mentally leave as quickly as possible. I jitter or play with my hands, or I twirl a strand of my hair. But, if that doesn't calm me down, looking at the floor, plugging my ears and shutting my eyes sometimes gets me back in the moment. I am learning how to actually register that I am not in danger, and it is going well so far. I've been able to re-wire myself to register driving as what is going on moment-for-moment, not "oh no, what if I-" And it's thanks to the Lord and your videos! I am so thankful you've come into my life. Thank you so much for talking about Neuroplasticity- me being a science nerd, that is such a phenomenon that gives me hope.

[@KrisTheSlayer]

I really love your videos, thank you so much for the help!

[@shannonkringen]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful

[@nancymadore4292]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@charlieharrison3089]

Thanks for these videos. Weirdly, after years of progressively worsening ptsd and other issues, I am beginning to be able to feel that there is hope. As a musically prone and intellectually captive person, the cadence of speech patterns along with engaging language (aka smart words soft tones) is especially helpful. I hope that we all can develop the belief in hearing and disregard the fear of failure and loss.

[@drinkwalter9346]

You can actually cure it, I micro dose on psychedelic mushroom after a long time of treatment that didn’t work, it helped me over it after my service

[@1878Devils]

Stop looking for hope in the comment section! Those who’ve actually gotten through it wont waste there time and come back here! Just be hopeful! And keep believing! You’ll be in a much better place ;)

[@kevinhermi9861]

Not hope just opinions

[@aslynnhallett7542]

Facts

[@kaldenbhutia4211]

Please do a video on health anxiety too

[@azeemnawaz5531]

Very good talk

[@saifkhan-ln8wo]

I always used to avoid being in front of peoples and their questions. It really makes me anxious when I think to be in such a place where i surrounded by the group of people and all eyes on me..like family gatherings etc

[@altertopias]

Hi! I love your videos, they have helped me a ton. I was wondering if you could do a video (or give a link to useful information) about handling academic stress/anxiety, like why does it get to some of us much more than others, even good students, or maybe how avoidance may be related to procastination, or that kind of things. I believe it could benefit a lot of people. Thank you for your videos anyway.

[@yenni7363]

Brilliant thank you. I'll dealing with the trauma part of a traumatic brain injury 8 years later. I get lost between anxiety reaction and brain injury effects like my reactions to loud sounds. City living being so unpredictable has inched the anxiety up over the years. Small steps. I'll start in parks and build up the toolbox. Small steps! Thanks loads

[@michaelkelly927]

Thank you Angel, you help so much..... X

[@rickredmond9847]

I'm a psychiatric patient with Bipolar 1 and PTSD (disabled veteran). I have been locked in a cycle of avoidance coping for years. Your video was extremely helpful and highly informative! Thank you! (I took notes and will watch it again).

[@drinkwalter9346]

You can actually cure it, I micro dose on psychedelic mushroom after a long time of treatment that didn’t work, it helped me over it after my service

[@drinkwalter9346]

*Formulah11*

[@Malery]

Before you even got to it I was wondering about situations where there is potentially a little danger, but it's a thing you normally do. I love reframing it as the ultimate objective being more important than the temporary discomfort of anxiety.

[@SiothaVest]

It's hard once we've had a danger in our life. In the case of the backpack... It would up end my world. As I use backpacks for everything. Unfortunately I tend to not realize the real hazard and everyone says omg how did you not realize the danger... it can be a snowball effect and I have my own as well. Because I haven't felt safe or coped with the danger being gone from my life.

[@thriftingsuperstars]

Thank you so much

[@laurarandolph5600]

What about things that evoke memories of a tragedy; it puts you in the memory of reliving the tragedy and loss?

[@redgielabalan9519]

I've learned a lot from you ma'am thank you 😊

[@roxylucky6830]

I have major problems with triggers. I look forward to hearing this and possibly helping my brain overcome this.

[@jennkosiek744]

This was so helpful for me.

[@simonestreeter1518]

What you call anxiety about anxiety, is called 'second fear' by Dr. Claire Weekes, whose book from the 1960s is still in print! It's a really fun take on this same phenomenon, with practical advice in a unique and interesting voice.

[@maceasestefania1410]

Amazing video❤

[@hilaryneilson9913]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@berritandersen288]

Thank you 💚

[@uknow2908]

Thanks. Yep, avoidance is me. Basically, all the things you listed. I don't know what to do. Exposure is scary. But thanks, I got the info I needed, very informative.

[@jimmymorrison8314]

Thank you.

[@jennkosiek744]

Thank you

[@arabbitwithinternetaccess126]

Great video.

[@MyEverydayBeauty]

My triggers are based on repetitive lies by my partner. Now whenever he talks about certain subjects I can feel my heart drop to my feet because I can't tell if it's the truth or another lie; even if it's a passing comment. My therapist said I've suffered PTSD from the worst parts of the relationship. I find it extremely hard to reframe my thoughts 😔

[@delishme2]

He may have a Personality Disorder. Some of them are pathalogical liars, I have PTSD from Narcissist abuse. Just dropping this in here because it may be a bread crumb trail.Dr Ramani is great on identifying these kinds of people.

[@hobolove2468]

Praying for you hope you are in a better place now❤️‍🔥🙏🏼❤️‍🔥

[@xiangren7943]

Endless thanks!