Session 4: What are the Triggers for maternal depression
SMART goal: By the end of sessions, group participants will be able to identify and manage triggers
Objective 1: The group will define the term “triggers.”
Objective 2: The group will explore possible triggers.
Objective 3: Develop a personal trigger identification and management plan that includes at least three specific strategies to identify and manage triggers.
Agenda: 50 minutes with a 10-minute break
* At the start of each session, write the topic and lesson plan on the whiteboard*
* At the start of each session, do an emotional and well-being check-in and prayer and music*
*Be aware that the time breakdowns are suggestions, and some activities may require more or less time depending on the group’s needs. A reminder that each sessions time breakdowns are an estimate *
Define and Describe Triggers – 10 minutes
Define and Describe Types of triggers -10 minutes
Triggers activity- 5 minutes
10-minute break
“What are your triggers?” discussion – 15 minutes
Lesson Plan:
Define and Describe Triggers:
Triggers, or stressors, are “actions or situations that can lead to an adverse emotional reaction”
Triggers are highly individualized and may differ drastically from person to person
“Triggers are individualized experiences that vary widely from person-to-person. “
“A person’s emotional reaction-based activities can range from minor to major, such as acts of violence. Someone who is symptomatic and is exposed to a trigger may be more susceptible and have a higher emotional reaction. Furthermore, a trigger can impair judgment, and some people may be unaware of their emotions.”
Define and Describe Types of Trigger:
Group facilitators will break down the types of triggers that can affect a mother with Maternal depression
“Many diverse stimuli might be potential triggers, and they are frequently heavily impacted by previous experiences. These triggers have resulted in significant discomfort, family strife, the start of the disease, symptoms increasing, episodes, and hospitalizations.”
- External Triggers
- Internal Triggers
- Trauma Triggers
- Symptom Triggers
Triggers activity:
Group members will complete this assignment individually about their triggers
Group facilitators should circle the room to help where needed
This activity will be used in the discussion
“What are your triggers?” discussion:
After the ten-minute break group members will be prompted to discuss triggers, which can be guided by the questions below:
* Invite the group to share out about their worksheet and what they put down as their triggers
- What triggers are you having now postpartum?
- Are they the same triggers you have prepartum?
- Are you doing anything to deal with the triggers?
- What do you think could help manage your triggers?
Group facilitators will conclude the session with a plan for the next session and say a closing prayer.
Materials: Whiteboard, pens, pencils, Trigger worksheet, Dry-Erase markers, Journal
References:
https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/triggers
Karp, D. H. (2016, September 1). Postpartum depression: The top triggers. Happiest Baby. Retrieved from https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/parents/preventing-postpartum-depression
Ponte, K. (2022, January 10). Understanding mental illness triggers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Blogs/
Understanding mental illness triggers. NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2022/Understanding-Mental-Illness-Triggers