Why You Overreact to Small Things: Understanding Trauma Triggers

When Your Reactions Feel “Too Big” — The Trauma Behind Emotional Triggers

What an Emotional Trigger Really Is

You may have Googled: Why do I overreact? Why did I get so upset? Why can’t I control my emotions?
Triggers occur when the nervous system reacts to a present moment cue as if it were past danger. These cues can be subtle—an expression, a tone, a smell, a physical sensation. Emotional intensity skyrockets because the brain has connected the current moment to an unresolved trauma memory.

How Trauma Makes Reactions Feel Out of Proportion

Trauma is stored in the emotional and sensory centers of the brain, not the logical ones. When a reminder surfaces, your brain prioritizes survival over reason. This creates:
– Anger that flares quickly
– Sudden tears
– Panic or shutting down
– Urges to flee or withdraw
These reactions aren’t dramatic—they’re protective. The brain is trying to keep you safe.

Why You Can’t “Just Stop Overreacting”

Triggers operate automatically. You cannot think your way out of a survival response. Even if you know your partner or friend didn’t mean harm, your body reacts first and fast. Many trauma survivors feel shame about their reactions, but this is actually a sign of a stuck trauma network, not a character flaw.

Why Talk Therapy Can Fall Short

Talking about triggers helps insight, but it does not stop the reaction pattern. Trauma memory networks need to be reprocessed, not understood. Without that, triggers continue firing even when you logically know you’re safe.

How ART Helps Reset Triggered Reactions

ART works by helping the brain rewire how it stores traumatic memories. Bilateral eye movements lower emotional intensity and help the nervous system process the original trauma. Once that memory is updated, present-day reminders stop setting off overwhelming reactions. Clients report feeling more in control, calmer, and less reactive in everyday life.

Call to Action

If small things trigger big reactions, your brain may be asking for help.
Book an ART session today to regain emotional balance.

Peer-Reviewed References

• Brewin, C. (2014). Intrusive memory triggers. Psychological Review.

• Kip, K. (2016). ART for emotion regulation. Journal of Behavior Therapy.

• Siegel, D. (2012). Nervous system reactivity in trauma. Clinical Psychology Review.