Folks who live with “moving target” conditions–that is, conditions that are inconsistent from one day to the next–are often subject to triggers.
Triggers are events that initiate or worsen symptoms. They can be sensory triggers, which are experienced as sight, sound, scent, taste, or touch. They can be physical triggers like injury or exertion. They can be subject matter triggers that are read, viewed, or heard as fictitious or non-fiction media portrayals or witnessed in-person, such as violence or psychological abuse. They could also be something ingested, such as a toxic chemical or a prescribed medication; they could be environmental, like a change in barometric pressure; they could be situational, like stress; or they could be something else not listed here.
For many, navigating triggers is a significant part of life with a chronic physical or mental health condition, and I’ve identified four types, or “tiers” of triggers.
Tier 1: Known and Controllable
When I say “controllable,” it’s not that we can control whether or not these are triggers. It’s that we can control our exposure to them. There are triggers we are aware of, and we are able to either avoid them or be prepared for their consequences if we choose not to avoid them. Mind you, some triggers absolutely must be avoided, such as severe food allergies that can be fatal. But sometimes, we do have an informed choice. For example, I know eating pizza is going to trigger my digestive symptoms, but sometimes I eat it anyway because I love it; I just make sure I’m home and don’t need to leave the house for a while!
Tier 2: Known and Uncontrollable
In some situations, we can see triggers before they happen, and while we may not be able to avoid these, we can be prepared for them to the best of our ability. One example is a change in weather. I can watch the forecast, see there’s an upcoming 20-degree temperature change, with rain, and be prepared to feel more pain and fatigue that day. Menstrual cycles are another example; I can see that doom coming every month. Other events on our calendars can be triggers we see coming: a work trip with long travel days or a court appearance that’ll unearth trauma.
Tier 3: Sneak Attacks
Many triggers come on with no warning, no chance to avoid them, no chance to prepare. Someone wearing strong perfume stands behind you in line. You’re channel surfing television and see a portrayal of assault. A friend calls and emotionally unloads on you. Triggers lurk around every corner.
Tier 4: No Explanation
Sometimes symptoms can come on suddenly, or worsen suddenly, and there is no explanation, no identifiable trigger. They just show up.
What to Know
Our symptoms can change any time, any place. We don’t always know why, and most of the time, it’s absolutely not our fault. We don’t deserve blame, shame, or guilt. Maybe, it is actually never our fault. I mean, it’s not my fault I love pizza.
To help improve allyship and inclusivity regarding triggers, I have some trigger lists uploaded here.
