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Writer's pictureJolene Psychology and Hypnosis Centre

Why Parents Trigger Us: Trauma Responses | 为什么父母会触发我们的情绪反应:创伤反应

This article is available in Chinese and Malay

Do you ever find yourself irritated, angry, or impatient when talking to your parents—even in seemingly simple situations? As teenagers, it might be dismissed as “typical rebellion.” But when these feelings persist into adulthood, it could point to a trauma response.


What Is Trauma, Really?

When you think of trauma, what comes to mind? Whatever it is, know that it’s valid. Trauma isn’t always about dramatic events; it can stem from everyday dynamics that shape how we respond emotionally. You might think you’ve moved past these experiences—until a visit home brings old patterns rushing back. A simple conversation might trigger familiar frustration, leaving you wondering why you’re unable to stay calm.

This is often called regression, which is a type of trauma response. It’s how the brain protects us from emotional pain, but it can also bring old wounds from when we were young to the surface. Familiar interactions can reawaken stored emotional responses, leaving us reacting like our younger selves. It’s not intentional—regression is an unconscious defense mechanism.


Trauma and Unmet Childhood Needs

For many, the parent-child relationship is where healing begins—or where old wounds are reopened. Our parents shape how we see ourselves and the world. Unresolved issues like feeling unheard, criticized, or unsupported can resurface when old dynamics are triggered.

For example, a critical tone from your parents might transport you back to moments when you felt judged, even if the context today is entirely different. These triggers often reveal unmet needs—like validation or apology—that may never be fulfilled. The heartbreak of knowing your parents may never acknowledge past mistakes can lead to frustration or impatience in everyday interactions.

This becomes trickier when we deal with these feelings indirectly. Sarcasm, subtle jabs, or trying to "mirror" their behavior can perpetuate old patterns instead of addressing the root problem. It’s frustrating to know you can do better, but these responses are automatic, deeply ingrained, and take effort to overcome.



Managing Triggering Situations

  1. Stay Grounded in the Present Notice when you’re regressing. Use grounding techniques—like focusing on your senses or reminding yourself of your current age—to re-center in the present moment.

  2. Set Healthy Boundaries Create clear boundaries for your emotional well-being. Communicate your needs, e.g., “If this topic comes up, I’ll step away from the conversation.”

  3. Address Unresolved Trauma Explore past wounds through therapy or inner child work. Acknowledge your pain, release unrealistic expectations, and learn to meet your own emotional needs.

  4. Reframe the Relationship Shift your perspective. See your parents as flawed individuals rather than holding onto unmet expectations. Focus on building mutual respect and understanding.


Conclusion

Being triggered by parents is a normal response tied to past trauma and family dynamics. While it’s challenging, these moments can be opportunities for healing. Recognize that old wounds take time to mend, and growth is rarely linear. Be gentle with yourself—healing is about working through the pain, not avoiding it.



为什么父母会触发我们的情绪反应:创伤反应

你是否曾在与父母交谈时,即使是看似简单的场合,也会感到恼怒、愤怒或不耐烦?青少年时期,我们或许会将这些情绪归结为“典型的叛逆期”。但如果这些感觉持续到成年,可能暗示着一种创伤反应。


什么是创伤?


当提到“创伤”时,你会想到什么?无论你的答案是什么,都是真实且合理的。创伤并不总是源自戏剧性的事件;它也可能来自日常互动,这些互动塑造了我们对情绪的反应方式。你可能以为自己已经跨越了这些经历,但一次回家的探访却可能让旧有的模式重新浮现。一场简单的对话可能会触发熟悉的挫败感,让你疑惑为什么自己无法保持冷静。

这通常被称为退行,是一种创伤反应。这是大脑保护我们免受情感伤害的一种方式,但同时也可能让童年时期的旧伤浮出水面。熟悉的互动可能唤醒储存的情绪反应,让我们像年轻时的自己那样反应。这并非有意为之——退行是一种无意识的防御机制。


创伤与未满足的童年需求

对于许多人来说,亲子关系既是疗愈的起点,也是旧伤被重开的地方。父母塑造了我们看待自己和世界的方式。未解决的问题,例如被忽视、被批评或缺乏支持,当旧有的互动模式被触发时,可能会再次浮现。

例如,父母批评的语气可能让你回想起过去被评判的时刻,即使今天的语境完全不同。这些触发点通常揭示了未满足的需求——比如被认可或道歉——而这些需求可能永远得不到满足。意识到父母可能永远无法承认过去的错误,会导致日常互动中的挫败感或不耐烦。

当我们间接处理这些情绪时,情况会变得更复杂。讽刺、隐晦的指责或试图“以其人之道还治其人之身”往往会延续旧有的模式,而不是解决问题的根源。尽管我们知道自己可以做得更好,这些反应却是自动的、深深根植的,需要付出努力才能克服。



应对触发情境

  • 保持当下的专注

注意到自己是否在退行。运用扎根技巧,例如专注于感官或提醒自己当前的年龄,重新回到当下。

  • 设定健康的界限

为自己的情绪健康设定清晰的界限。表达你的需求,例如:“如果这个话题被提起,我会暂时离开谈话。”

  • 处理未解决的创伤

通过治疗或内在小孩的工作,探索过去的伤痛。承认你的痛苦,放下不切实际的期望,并学习满足自己的情感需求。

  • 重新定义关系

改变你的视角。将父母视为有缺陷的个体,而不是固守未满足的期望。专注于建立相互尊重和理解。


结论

被父母触发情绪是一种正常的反应,与过去的创伤和家庭动态有关。尽管这种情况充满挑战,但这些时刻也可能成为疗愈的契机。认识到旧伤需要时间来愈合,而成长往往不是线性的。善待自己——疗愈的过程在于直面痛苦,而不是回避它。


Mengapa Ibu Bapa Mencetuskan Reaksi Emosi Kita: Respons Trauma


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