Coping with Your Triggers
Everyone has emotional triggers that negatively affect how we react in certain
situations. The trigger could be a person, situation, location, or activity. It might
be a sound, smell, sight, thought or the feel of something. This worksheet is
designed to help you find ways to cope with your triggers.
The trigger that sets you off:
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What emotional response does this trigger set off (feeling of shame, rage, etc.)?
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What physical symptoms do you experience when triggered (racing heart,
shaking, etc.)?
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What negative thoughts do you have when you experience this trigger (feeling of
being a failure, of hurting someone, etc.)?
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How does your response affect others? (Do you get grumpy with family, irritated
with your pets? Do you fail to finish your work, putting your team behind
schedule?)
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How can you avoid or reduce exposure to this trigger?
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When it cannot be avoided, how do you want to deal with the situation? You can
choose how you feel and react to it. (deep breath, relax, center yourself, etc.)
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Phrases you can use to get you through the trigger without reacting. (stay calm,
relax, I'm okay, I can do this, etc.) Practice these with others and by yourself so it
is second nature when the trigger happens!
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People who can help you work through the situation & help you practice.
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Other Items I May Need to Help Me with This
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