A trigger, according to PsychCentral.com, is “something that sets off a memory tape or flashback transporting the person back to the event of her/his original trauma.” Triggers can set your symptoms off if the elements of your environment are just right. Of course, you have to be in a semi-unstable state of mind. For some, triggers may be as obvious as loud noises, a spoken word, a certain connection their brain makes in absorbing sensory details. For others, it’s being around a certain place, person or object, and the energy those things put off. For others it’s completely random, as unpredictable as the wind. So what are some concrete examples we can identify? Here’s a few to start that I dealt with during my depression: Isolation Thinking negative thoughts, over and over Negative self talk Eating too much Sleeping too much Having nothing to do Here are triggers I dealt with during my mania: Pop culture (movies & music) Isolation Bible passages, any Bible passage Running, working out – energy begot energy begot ideas and creativity Fasting (not as much appetite) Not going to bed at a reasonable hour because I’m too much on a roll Exciting news Family parties Holidays, birthdays, special occasions Random noises (squeaking hangers, inhaling through the nose, etc.) More work than I can handle/deal with Do you know your triggers when you’re depressed or manic? Share in the comments.