Why “Triggered” Isn’t Helpful (Or Accurate) When It Comes to Mental Health
The word “triggered” has become a go-to in pop psychology and everyday language, often used to describe anything from a mild annoyance to an intense emotional reaction. However, in the context of true mental resilience and recovery, using the word “triggered” may actually hold people back. Emetophobes perceive many things ranging from textures of food to amusement park rides as triggering. Working through your Thrive Programme with me, we will take a different approach, viewing the concept of “being triggered” as an unhelpful, limiting term. Here’s why I don’t recommend my clients using the term “triggered”—and why this shift in language can be empowering.
1. “Triggered” Reinforces a Belief in Powerlessness
Let’s talk about the word “triggered.” At its core, it suggests that something outside of you has control over your reactions—as if you’re powerless to stop them. And that just isn’t true. Nothing outside of you can “make you” anything unless you give it that power.
In traditional psychology, triggers are often seen as things that automatically cause certain reactions, especially if they’re tied to past trauma or deep fears. But this way of thinking can leave you feeling like a helpless victim of your own mind, reinforcing the belief that you can’t influence your emotions.
In our work together, we focus on shifting you away from this external locus of control—the belief that your feelings are dictated by the outside world—and help you build a strong internal locus of control. That means learning how to take back the reins and respond to situations from a place of personal power. Once you recognize that emotional responses are something you can shape, the word “triggered” stops being useful. Instead, we simply talk about how you respond—and how you can respond differently with the right mindset and tools.
2. Avoidance and “Trigger Warnings” Reinforce Fear
When you believe that certain words, people, or experiences might “trigger” you, it’s natural to want to avoid them. And sure, that might feel safer in the moment. But in the long run, avoidance just feeds fear and chips away at your confidence.
Take emetophobia, for example—the intense fear of vomiting. If you’ve been avoiding certain foods, situations, or even people because they might make you anxious, you probably know that the fear doesn’t go away—it grows. What I’ll help you do is face those uncomfortable moments head-on, and challenge the beliefs that have been keeping you stuck. You’ll learn how to build true emotional resilience, so you can stop feeling “triggered” and start feeling strong and in control.
3. Triggers Are Actually Thoughts You Can Change
What most people call a “trigger” is usually just a thought. A powerful one, yes—but still a thought. And thoughts can be changed. You don’t need to believe an emotion you generated as if it was a fact because emotions are created by beliefs and not all beliefs are helpful or factual.
Together, we’ll dig into those automatic reactions and uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface. Let’s say you struggle with social anxiety and feel “triggered” in crowds. What’s really happening? You might be thinking things like, “Everyone’s judging me” or “I can’t handle this.” Those thoughts might feel true—but they’re just beliefs. And beliefs can be challenged.
When you change the way you think about a situation, your emotional response shifts naturally. You’re not broken. You’re not at the mercy of crowds, or noise, or people. You’re just caught in a thinking pattern that you can unlearn.
4. “Triggered” Fosters an External Locus of Control
The whole idea of being “triggered” is rooted in the belief that external forces control how you feel. And if you believe that, it makes sense that you’d want to protect yourself by avoiding anything that might set you off.
But that belief can leave you stuck in survival mode.
In our coaching work, we flip that script. I’ll help you develop an internal locus of control—meaning you call the shots. You’ll learn to stop fearing certain situations and start handling them with confidence. That kind of mindset is a game-changer. It frees you from waiting for the world to be “safe” and helps you create your own emotional safety from the inside out.
5. “Triggered” Language Keeps You Stuck in the Past
When you describe yourself as “triggered,” you’re often referring to old wounds. And while it’s important to acknowledge where you’ve been, constantly reinforcing the idea that your past controls your present can keep you stuck.
In our sessions, we focus on building your strengths, skills, and mindset for the future. Instead of asking, “What triggered me last time?” you’ll learn to ask, “What can I do differently next time?” That shift in focus boosts your self-efficacy—your belief in your ability to handle life’s ups and downs—and helps you become more emotionally resilient with each step forward.
Shifting From “Triggered” to Empowered
One of the biggest breakthroughs you’ll experience in coaching is the moment you stop thinking, “This triggered me,” and start saying, “Here’s how I chose to respond.” That’s empowerment.
We won’t treat your emotions as something to tiptoe around. We’ll face them, work through them, and build your belief in your ability to manage them. Instead of avoiding life to protect yourself, you’ll start engaging with it—confident, grounded, and fully capable of handling whatever comes your way.
Because you’re not fragile. You’re not broken. You’re powerful—and you’re learning how to own it.
Coach Lauren Singer 
Leave a comment