Emotional triggers are specific words, memories, situations, behaviors of other people but also images, sounds or sensations that provoke a strong emotional reaction in us. It’s like something or someone pressing a sensitive button, and suddenly we’re flooded with emotions — anger, anxiety, stress, sadness, or even shame. These reactions are often more intense than the situation seems to call for. Getting triggered can impact our mental health.
Examples of emotional triggers in personal life
a) Being humiliated in front of others
you’re having dinner with friends and your partner starts making fun of you. Everyone laughs at your expense. You feel a sting of hurt and shame.
b) Seeing injustice on the news
you are watching a news report about social injustice. Your ethical values around fairness and equity are touched. You feel angry, sad and helpless.
c) Entering a packed shopping mall
you’re inside a shopping mall but you’re sensitive to loud noise and chaotic environments. You feel a desperate need to escape.
Examples of emotional triggers in professional life
a) Being excluded from important meetings
you’ve just learnt that your manager didn’t invite you to discuss a new project that sits within your area of expertise. You feel disrespected and overcome by a sense of powerlessness and frustration.
b) Witnessing unethical behavior
you’re hearing your boss deny having promised to extend the deadline for submitting the annual budget report. You remember the boss saying the deadline would be changed. As you value honesty and integrity, you silently fume with anger.
c) Experiencing sensory overload
you’re in an open office environment with constant noise, people are talking, the keyboards are clacking, someone just brought in smelly food. You start to feel overwhelmed, irritated, and stressed.
Learn how to use emotional intelligence to build resilience to triggers and reclaim your peace. Prioritize your mental wellbeing at home and at work.
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