Trauma Triggers vs Retraumatization vs Discomfort

This video outlines the differences between trauma, retraumatization, a trigger, and discomfort.
Many times the terms 'trauma' and 'trigger' are overused, or not used with precision which can be disempowering and lead to other problems. In this video, we explore the definitions of these terms and how we can navigate and differentiate between when we feel discomfort, triggered, or retraumatized.

[@andersnelson6888]

This guy is fantastic. Love his detailed yet calm way of explaining things.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you!

[@lisaweis6282]

As someone who was sexually abused as a child, has severe (complex) ptsd with panice and severe mdd, this video is very helpful. I am year 4 of clinical work with my drs., to emerging from trauma work to re-entering life. Your explinations put words to what I cannot define for others but know very well. Thank you for your work.

[@sakshipasricha_]

Thank you for this video. Yes, they are being overused. We often jump on the buzz words and start using without having complete understanding of it. This is useful in learning the difference.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

We are happy to hear that the video is useful!

[@Jettepsalm]

I just discovered EMDR 5 days ago. I tried a short session on myself & feel better w/ CPTSD issue. To test it, I stopped my herbal supplements for depression, anxiety, & racing thoughts. Day 5- I feel relaxed, happy, & peaceful. I heard Dr G's warning against performing it on ourself & want to ask if Phoenix offers Tele consultations?

[@starrlalares5621]

This video is fantastic and so is your one on EMDR, very informative, clear and in depth information! Thank you!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Angesp321]

Coming from a week of intensive therapy, and putting words to feelings that I could not express or understand has been a challenge. Saying out loud or physically writing the words this a a trigger or trauma is really powerful for me. Im acknowledging something bad happened or is happening and trying to understand the message and feeling, as opposed to moving on to cope or survive.

[@rubicamargo436]

This really helps sense I’m studying social work

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy to hear the video is helpful!

[@wild_cub_times]

Thank you for this video, it actually helped in a way I didn't expect it to. I feel kind of dumb rn. Look out for this avoidance pattern guys! Every time I feel "triggered" from things I need to do, I try my best to figure out what's the past thing that's preventing me from doing stuff. I've been doing it a lot. Turns out it is just _discomfort_ XD Like... Oh my me! One difference that I notice is that, trauma makes you feel little and scared, but discomfort is "I'll do tomorrow"

[@soul.searcher333]

This was very helpful and validating💙Thank you

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy it was helpful!!

[@elysianfields8461]

Very good video! Thank you!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheLoneDranger]

I read a similar idea in the book Buddha in Daily Life, where the author talked about how when we're settled after practice but then get stirred by something, it's because the water is dirty that it will become murky when stirred so we still have to work on the dirt/karma in the water.

[@DIDHatchery]

Great video. Question: if you live with someone who has similar traits to an old abuser, which keeps you in fight or flight almost constantly, is that retraumatization? Thank you!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Hi, if the traits are reminding you of an old abuser but not causing new harm, this would be a ‘trigger’. If the person you live with is causing new harm and triggering the past harm, then it would be retraumatization

[@traceylynn7100]

❤❤

[@elenihalstead1807]

agree

[@JanessaHershman]

One could argue that the traumatic experience is the ammunition. I understand what you're saying and it's interesting. Maybe "trigger" is external whereas "discomfort" is internal- which locus of control do we want to develop? Maybe triggers precede discomfort during an individual's healing journey. Maybe trigger is to caterpillar as discomfort is to pupa, as peace is to butterfly.

[@marypower1261]

I like that idea - a trigger is only part of our metamorphosis from a hungry, eat-all-around-us/ absorb EVERYTHING from our environment - to the frozen-in-time pupa/ chrysalis which metabolizes everything our caterpillar ingested and, lo-and-behold! Finally emerges as a beautiful, free butterfly, flitting from one equally beautiful flower to another, living on beauty and love and delighting all who encounter us... Yes! That is what i would like t heal into 😍 🤗 xx mol xx