Understanding Triggers: A Message from UAPMed

The recent surge in mysterious drone sightings across the globe has sparked intrigue, curiosity, and for some, significant distress. External events like these can act as “triggers,” exacerbating underlying mental health challenges.

What Are Triggers?

Triggers are stimuli—sights, sounds, smells, news events, or even memories—that evoke intense emotional or physical reactions. There are a wide variety of mental and emotional issues that can be sensitive to triggers. For example, individuals with trauma histories, anxiety disorders, or developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder may experience overwhelming reactions to triggering events. Triggers often reignite feelings of fear, helplessness, or confusion. The intensity and impact of these reactions can vary widely.

The current uncertainty around drone sightings may provoke a range of psychological responses, including:

• Heightened anxiety or restlessness.

• Panic attacks or a sense of losing control.

• Recurring memories or flashbacks for those with trauma histories.

• Hypervigilance or difficulty sleeping.

• Avoidance of normal routines due to pervasive fear or confusion.

Recognizing these responses as normal reactions to external stressors is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Coping Strategies for Managing Triggers

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

For those experiencing low to moderate distress, simple, actionable strategies can be incredibly helpful:

1. Limit Information Intake:
   Monitor your consumption of news and social media. Set specific times to check updates and avoid “doom-scrolling.” Overexposure often amplifies anxiety.

2. Practice Mindfulness:
   Use mindfulness techniques to focus on the present moment. Breathing exercises like box breathing (inhale, hold, exhale, hold for four counts each) can help ground you during moments of unease.

3. Monitor Your Self-Talk:
   Replace catastrophizing or negative internal dialogue with realistic, balanced thoughts. For example, remind yourself: “The unknown is unsettling, but I am safe right now.”

4. Engage in Journaling:
   Writing down your thoughts can help organize and process emotions, creating space for clarity and calmness.

5. Read Self-Help Resources:
   Explore books, apps, or online content that focus on managing anxiety, navigating uncertainty, or building emotional resilience.

6. Pursue Purposeful Activities:
   Redirect energy toward activities that bring joy or a sense of accomplishment, such as hobbies, exercise, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones.

7. Spiritual Disciplines:
   Practices like prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts can offer comfort, perspective, and a sense of connection.

Moderate to Severe Symptoms:

If triggers lead to persistent distress or interfere with daily functioning, more involved strategies may be required:

1. Understand the Root Cause:
   Severe reactions to triggers often stem from unresolved or deeply rooted emotional or psychological issues. Addressing these requires delving into the underlying causes of distress, rather than just reacting to external events.

2. Professional Support:
   If symptoms such as uncontrollable anxiety, persistent panic attacks, or depressive episodes persist, speaking with a mental health professional can help. Professionals can offer personalized insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

3. Community Support:
   Reach out to trusted friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your experiences can provide both validation and relief.

4. Emergency Help:
   For overwhelming symptoms, such as thoughts of self-harm or an inability to function, immediate intervention is crucial. Contact a mental health crisis line or visit a healthcare provider.

A Message of Hope

While the unknown can feel daunting, it is also an opportunity for growth. By using the strategies above and seeking support when needed, individuals can navigate unsettling developments with resilience and grace.

UAPMed remains committed to supporting community mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is always available. Together, we can work toward creating a space for understanding, healing, and connection.

At this time, UAPMed does not offer or coordinate access to medical, mental health, or legal services. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 911. For immediate mental health care, please call 988. 

UAPMed is an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, first responders, and academics focused on UAP/NHI health-related and psycho-social effects.

Interested in contributing? Contact us at uapmedicalcoalition@gmail.com for more information.