Special occasions and holidays are a time for celebration, for most. But what happens when they trigger you?

STOP! I've just been triggered

It was Mother’s Day here recently and it got us thinking about what a celebration Mother’s Day is, but also how hard it is for so many women around the world – for those who have lost their mum, for those that have a tough relationship with their mother, for those that desperately want to be a mum but can’t, and for those who tragically have lost their children.

And it’s not just Mother’s Day, for many people different holidays and special occasions are a time for celebrating and for others are really difficult times - birthdays, anniversaries, religious holidays, graduations, mothers day, fathers day, weddings, personal achievements.

Celebrations are a really important part of life, and there are even studies now that show there are significant benefits in celebrating, including improved physical health and better coping strategies. People who take time to reflect on — and celebrate — their successes are generally more optimistic, take better care of themselves and tend to be less stressed. So the take-a-way from this conversation is certainly not to stop celebrating.

Celebrating is a really great thing to do, but unfortunately, for many people, events and dates that are looked at as a celebration can be emotional triggers, so let’s have a conversation around that any maybe look at some ways to support ourselves if we are experiencing those triggers and maybe some ways to support those we love who are experiencing those triggers.