overreacting
Article
Inside the mind of a mental health professional - overreacting.
What exactly is a trigger, and how do we cope with its effects? Sometimes, our reactions seem disproportionate to the situation at hand—why do we overreact? Moreover, why is it challenging for helping professionals to acknowledge their own need for professional support?
To put it simply, a trigger is “a stimulus that elicits a reaction,” as defined by the APA Dictionary of Psychology. It could be an event that recalls a past experience, leading to heightened emotional responses. In the context of mental health, triggers often exacerbate symptoms.
As humans, we’ve all experienced trauma to varying degrees. Trauma brings with it triggers and reminders, which are inevitable parts of our lives. The key isn’t to avoid these triggers but to learn how to confront and overcome them, paving the way for a healthier future.
Regardless of our professional roles—whether psychologists, therapists, life coaches, or social workers—we are all human. We all wrestle with our thoughts and emotions, echoing René Descartes’ famous declaration, “I think, therefore I am.” Even my therapist once reminded me during a moment of distress that grappling with our mental health is an intrinsic part of being human—it’s not a sign of failure but of courage.
As a Mental Health Coach, I believe in transparency. Despite my training, I, too, face mental struggles. Seeking guidance is sometimes necessary, a fact I openly acknowledge to encourage others on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing.
If you’ve ever felt like your reaction was disproportionate, or if others have labeled your response an overreaction, you’re not alone. For me, a minor incident—a cockroach infestation—triggered a cascade of existential questioning and panic. To outsiders, this might seem excessive, but triggers operate on the meanings we attach to situations, not the situations themselves.
Recognizing triggers involves understanding the deeper emotions they stir. In my case, the cockroaches symbolized stagnation and lack of control in my living situation amid economic instability. Acknowledging these underlying fears helped me address deeper issues beyond the immediate trigger.
Even when we recognize our triggers, gaining control over our reactions can be daunting—especially for professionals in the mental health field. The fear of judgment or perceived incompetence can deter us from seeking help. Yet, acknowledging our vulnerabilities is a testament to our humanity, not a flaw.
Awareness of our triggers can be empowering. It allows us to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and false beliefs, offering opportunities for growth and self-improvement. I’ve seen this firsthand with clients who initially felt ashamed of seeking help but later found strength in accepting support and guidance.
So what can we do if we’re triggered?
Try to have perspective. As soon as you feel like you’re being triggered, try to take a step back and look at it from afar, see where those intense feelings are coming from because most probably it’s from a previous traumatic experience and not from the trigger itself.
Tip: ask yourself what would your opinion or advice be if one of your friends was facing this situation, this will help give you some distance.Remind yourself that you are safe. Try to calm yourself down by taking deep breaths and reminding yourself that you are HERE NOW, and that you’re safe.
Tip: take 10 minutes of your time to practice mindfulness, meditation, or consciously relaxing your musclesPractice self compassion and acceptance. Most importantly don’t judge yourself for having these feelings and reactions.
Tip: you can also look at this as looking at a loved one or a friend, what would you say to them if they were in your shoes? How would you support them? And reflect that back to you.
I’ve committed to transforming my life and sharing my journey openly. By being transparent about my struggles, I hope to inspire others to take charge of their mental well-being and, ultimately, their lives.
With love,
Farrah xx
