Have you ever gone about your day feeling happy and carefree, when all of sudden something sneaks up on you—a trigger—that stirs you up and throws you for a loop? Or, perhaps there are certain people who really "push your buttons," as the expression goes. They know just what to say or not to say to rile you up and really leave you feeling upset.

Sometimes, everyday situations can create emotionally charged responses from within that seem to appear from nowhere, Dr. Robin says. The sudden rush of feelings—whether it's anger, sadness, or shame—seems to overtake you, and can leave you feeling emotionally hijacked, she says.

Everyone has triggers that have to be recognized rather than repressed, Dr. Robin says. Figure out what stirs your pot and steals your joy and then determine whether or not you can respond in a new and positive way, she says. "Decide that you're not going to be owned by your buttons or owned by your triggers—you're going to embrace all of who you are," Dr. Robin says. "[But] don't let triggers run your life."