---
title: Coping with Triggers
date: 2023-04-28T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/coping-with-triggers"
section: Resources
---
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[Health &amp; Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Coping with Triggers

This guide explains “triggers,” or what we like to call “activators,” which are things that activate the nervous system into its alert state. There are several ways of handling activators that gender-based violence survivors can use to tell their brains and bodies that they are safe when they are reminded of a traumatic event.

> When we are triggered our body needs help understanding that we are actually safe/safe enough after being reminded of a traumatic event. Sometimes, we are triggered when another experience retraumatizes us and unburies past pain (for example, being a sexual assault survivor and getting cat called on the street). Our brains, nervous systems, and relationships with ourselves, and with others, are our best resources in these moments.

[Read the full article ](https://metoomvmt.org/explore-healing/healing-toolkits/coping-with-triggers/)

SOURCE: me too. • AUTHOR: Andrea Glik

![polina-zimmerman-3958424-2](data:image/png;base64,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) Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ healing after harm](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/healing-after-harm)
- [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health)
- [survivor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/survivor)
- [trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trauma)
- [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support)
- [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
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- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Survivor's Toolkit for Survivors of Sexual Trauma

A collection of resources created by and designed for survivors of sexual trauma.

![Pexels polina tankilevitch metoo scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEMklEQVRIiWVWS5Ijtw7MD8qe8P1v4whv3nG8sSPGM/oR+RZgldR2iS2xpapMZgIEyD9+/x8QIMxCXsiTeaAfWff0La/7et3W67ae9+fj/nw8HvfH4/683573n8/bz+f95/P243n78bj/c3/8c3t8//H8+/vzz7/W/e8GGhD2lfng+f+eESQIYj4x8/MGvm9/P0l+oKAGmgCQuZ/ZD5NskhTnkkhhfyNA3Py81hgwAMQvBG/0ZJAHPpQoSJElU9JM2OQaMkBb5ikWJEpvAm4FGY7tRRNiokCIY6vtVcsttdSUqQYNrpDBDISM3gS8LNo/IXslIiJAgWkjle647ZZbbmqGQc0ImdEkpYxvhdtrFDQAMkQISCDAoaPDEppppNPtFTtyTo4FGbxoGCoWDuO3b8B3PiYGBJHhECGSECPGYTcKSJI2XHFFzmnUa0RkhhQLZfxyIN/oJ9a9yCZARIiEIRAoCDGUnqxL0lgr9ohY9KJqc8iQMBObx0H8igryy2URJjwiLIoSQCA9yRgEQ/CquOJa8qIKqo07o4rHASy62RqCXNlMRqIEU5qFC+lRgO54jUVLPuQlv6SiijJUcNHF4xA7TaSYVdgWcZYvQaIF0QIRhjwJxqJ2HfbSwNn0QJtVPIpoKWhNBhUnyJwEo0gPByESYUSACdzxK65J1iW/To6Si3XQS3UEgIkUsYAUGYJkSPKtYEQEYbJjbMcVe83yPwddqvJxdAIRLWIBTaY4m2DQeRYaUeKEN00EMezILZf8su0PAlepDh1dSZtoE2vyvt5VZCsgpS8EJIBuyG3Z9ol7clSpDlfXagBaAppoIWQKG5onB0VyE5BIEow/S7Kn3smWSrarZtTR25/lTcAQqP9gnwykJjjdkaa2itoldThcdrmq6ngdOQJR8SKWdmlAkeJbxL+uKcMSQ81LnzT2eFY++lhBIAm9iJ7kFFLQrv4gp2B9WDYNKnhr5I7RxVDlWlXdRwC2FrKYszZzFJxx2N0KxIlNZKJ85sJ/SOyqqupuEGwL7alss8ICfXYZfm2BfHfqzx58ds9BH4eqjgQCu41uYRfmHQNs8E9ofhwEPlneFl4c5VqFBITSzZ7WEk33hLwPC+exIe8ODiLBmaofWsirQ49LSSAo3UiUrQBAgfo8g4QXepA3OjbFPoJQs1dk2RU3EjY7q5kw2N2XKNJvV6bqbHSEA595HxJMeQe2S5blMhA2GgwSJgKmB38q+DDhdGYzfBGx1Z4aIm8FArMyCiYG26LLnuEIkvA0PW8RuKKDa+dLtNSChXmKwakAHwrmzHWtf/A4llwaklPklRfa4QbMRsCwR8Fl0d5T89eDvilzWXW6dI13l6U4FaIhAiEuAhCpjwNsAO7wAuEOyryNKny5ri0xVUbKAFO8OPipYHO86T5U4PPbK+M2Q84tdFaZvKf/B+/LjoLtZ0+9AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

A collection of resources created by and designed for survivors of sexual trauma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/survivors-toolkit-for-survivors-of-sexual-trauma)

[ResourcesRead

## PTSD in Survivors of Sexual Assault

When a bad thing happens to you, like sexual assault, sometimes, it feels like it's still happening even long after it’s over.

![A caricature of a woman in bed, her face in terror and pain. She and the bed are light pink with a deeper pink in the background.](data:image/png;base64,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)

When a bad thing happens to you, like sexual assault, sometimes, it feels like it's still happening even long after it’s over.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ptsd-in-survivors-of-sexual-assault)

[ResourcesRead

## Mental Health Resources for Women of Color (Special Focus on Survivors)

Mental health resources for women of color, compiled by a collective of diverse clinicians.

![Omar lopez T6zu4j Fh Vwg unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Mental health resources for women of color, compiled by a collective of diverse clinicians.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/mental-health-resources-for-women-of-color-special-focus-on-survivors)

[ResourcesRead

## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.

![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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)

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

[Stories &amp; ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Mental Health Issues

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.

![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues)

[ResourcesRead

## A Sex Positive and Transformative Justice Approach to #MeToo

This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.

![Mihai surdu me too unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)

[ResourcesRead

## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.

![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD4ElEQVRIiXVWW3brNhADQCZxFtg9dFdd57VFoB8zpOWeU0aRaD0G8wCG5D9//0Vqfs3v7++fx+PxePz+Ph6/j5+fx/fPz9f39/z60pwcA5RJAyu4nMtZ9uV42XEcxEgYECH6LIAkahAg+1on7Ef/N/r1m4H6uU+cFEGSrAnI/cHG5d1YXUKSDEgg9T34AUKk5lMSSUmkKN5GxVaXba9ug0hhgCIBmhAQMGBIhqg3MTUGSY6hIUnsg6DKlXcCyysQO04SIkNISoKECQGmn24AUWNoDGpUQKhYVE7uoyMgK0WAiEhCyjoSAAx0K9/UHKTGHBpD40TQydrpeSN1itWG2ubNepnWrv8cc5IdgcZQZ4qUKo6u2X9JBgERlZBJdvoOAJtPc8xxB+AQx4AEfuRnzxtNREIlCJPkw3pxg+oUjVk11hjUvc7CLUVvpE0Pdd2TEEDRksB2rV1pFqlyM8bOfpf6lPez1CgNMBBZ7uP2Uqn3ABRhBjXevutYVz5ZBDDYSieQU5cbwKFHCQ0lNJEipLfj+whRjqcr19qoXKVF8q7VBwCK+CKp8+g4ni3PY31jdFXTQrwxYZvrFJ3b6PAZEjfZFzXudm+tjsyZ4ygRGwnA3Lb6pc2I8r0nLs5seR6bSO4t8Nbu3rdncThB0Go3YCCgQeVgbGdZmi34uh6apoPK2+PphEASO04c9IE+OsXZjTxo2SbvUN4jDsSNFkzbTTl5Y8TBShSsk6muQzqC9B9wTFVtTQg0qYp2ruXq9aAp05Gjth52NaJ0iz+GO4AqQzo5hIpvu61grusCqQFQlLmswvDbOoIEele37vR/N4la2ZCaoc7gvF4XqGEAghZtLcthQoddfSi3aqYXgH0+jajU7spVSXu+XhdJJ6agybE4Q5uOUgBBEqfWgA1gOOnNxGFuYZR1tQ6u5wviMAJBF+YX1+IKHRaZqqQBHRIHD3Exr38CtVnh6XWVotfzCckTpjAWr6Vl2rsMoQNVU+YOyHBZd5YTw8hhfgexAZ5/npRsmAPj4lxc5rKWK4iSWRAROOvLKuurYZzNXe6Vr3vPfBVAGA7Ob66l5eVcTdYuQ8JWWIKyuJxlN0YlbW87oLPQztfzSclgNPG6eHksy5azDBmVoqJ9s9bZ+VleK+sdxMfKXxFcf57UCAbmpVXDy1nJSiuuBEGA6U5SEdg7iGU72cvnSRTAeT1fHI4GX+u6PJaXa5y2UYqrHVXXoB54ZWM4tt1NE+8Oz7leLzoYS2uNsutsL9G9umXQfEUzs3XQ/ixv5Z29C0LOrAVwF8ptt0hxdmy7peGm5Juc93Bcn233kfwLunZ6KN0pD6AAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure)

[ResourcesRead

## A Trauma-Informed Response To Racial Injustice

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.

![Duncan shaffer lo Pr MM Xp IIA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice)
