Module 4: Getting To Know My Pain
Triggers/ Avoidant Behaviors
By now, you may have started to recognize your triggers, those things that tend to set off a flare or intensify your pain or symptoms. Triggers can vary from person to person and may include movement, social situations, travel, weather, sound, light, stairs, or even certain foods. When we identify something as a trigger, our natural instinct is often to avoid it in order to prevent more pain. This is known as avoidant behavior. In the short term, this can feel helpful, especially during a flare.
However, avoiding triggers can unintentionally reinforce to the brain that these situations are dangerous. Each time we avoid them, we strengthen the brain’s association between the trigger and threat, which can lead to more pain signals in the future. The brain is trying to protect us, but it's learned the wrong lesson. Our goal is to gently teach the brain that these triggers are actually safe. We do this by gradually reintroducing them in small, manageable steps, helping to rewire the brain’s response. Just as the fear-pain connection can be learned, it can also be unlearned.
JOURNAL PROMPT
What triggers have I recognized for my symptoms?