Summer is often associated with joy and vitality, yet for many, the changing season can unexpectedly stir up difficult memories.
Foundations Family Therapy Provider Sarah McGovern understands these feelings can be confusing, but psychological science explains why a new season can trigger the past. The practice has a Pittsboro office within MOSAIC.
Our brains are hardwired to store traumatic or significant negative events differently to keep us safe. The brain becomes specialized in identifying sensory details that remind us of the event.
For example, if you had a negative experience while gardening last summer, the smell of soil or the sight of tools might now trigger unease. Your brain has categorized these elements as warnings to stay on high alert, creating a “trigger” response that varies based on your unique experiences.
A trigger is any stimulus – a person, smell, sound or season – that reminds a person of past distress. When triggered, reactions can range from sudden anxiety and sadness to restlessness, difficulty concentrating or a numb feeling.
To manage triggers, McGovern suggests a few helpful strategies:
- Name the feeling without judgment: for example, “I feel anxious in the garden because I’m remembering last year.”
- Adjust self-expectations: you don’t have to feel joyful just because it is summer.
- Prioritize self-care through sleep, nourishing meals, journaling or therapy.
- Limit additional stressors like overwhelming news.
- Seek support from trusted friends or safe environments.
If you find yourself struggling this season, pause and notice your physical body and mental health. Give yourself space to heal rather than pushing feelings aside.
“Remember, you aren’t alone, and professional support is always available to help you process the past,” says McGovern.
Family Foundation Therapy is located within MOSAIC and serves individuals and families in Chatham County with a broad range of concerns.
