Navigating Triggers with a Chronic Illness

Living in this world is hard. Sometimes life can feel unfair depending on what you are dealing with. We have to deal with the stress that often comes from finances, raising children, work, health concerns, and other world issues. We have to take responsibility and be accountable for our actions which may not always feel good. It’s all a part of adulting, right?

Like me, you may have a chronic illness which brings its own list of stressors. Depending on the progression of your illness, you may be dealing with the unpredictability of the disease, increased medical expenses, the inability to work, and even depression.

In addition to all of that, we must learn to recognize and manage our emotional triggers. A trigger is any situation, person, or thing that stimulates a strong emotional response such as anger, fear, loneliness, or sadness.

The month of July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness month which is observed to bring attention to the mental health struggles that ethnic minorities face. This month is one of many triggers for me. As a young child, I lost my mother to suicide. Over the years, I have had to learn how certain things triggered me as well as the impact they had on my emotions and behavior. There were underlying issues of abandonment that stemmed from my loss which carried over into friendships and relationships with others.

Once I understood my triggers, embraced therapy, and did some self work, I was better equipped to handle those unexpected situations. Managing triggers while living with a chronic illness is vital because unaddressed triggers may result in the following:

• Increase in flare ups
• Lack of sleep
• Anxiety
• Isolation
• Cognitive issues
• Higher risk of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure
• Weight gain or loss

I encourage you to pay attention to what triggers you, how you react, and incorporate some healthy ways to address them.

Eat a well balanced diet, try guided meditation, stay active, avoid negative environments, let go of things that no longer support you, and lean on or find a support system.

Remember to be patient and kind with yourself.

-Monaye