I'm not sure if I can adequately explain the feeling of being 'triggered' as it's not a term that I ever ascribe to myself, but occasionally I'll see something that reminds me of a dark moment in my life and feel depressed about it. Sometimes I'll dwell on it for a few hours or days, or even have dreams about it.
I'd also love to hear from people that use this term on what their personal experience or definition is.
When I'm triggered, I feel very angry and want to shut everyone out because I feel like I can't trust anyone. I have flashbacks and it feels like I'm reliving the traumatic event and I can't get out of it. I usually have really intense panic attacks when I'm triggered and it feels like I'm going to stop breathing or die.
When I dissociate it feels like I'm on autopilot and I'm watching a movie of someone else's life rather than experiencing things in real time.