I had one of those moments recently — the kind where something small unexpectedly hits you harder than you’d expect. And sometimes feeling tired means you’re triggered.

It happened during a conversation — nothing big, nothing dramatic. But afterward, I noticed something wasn’t quite right. I felt myself pulling back, feeling wiped out. Everything felt harder — my focus was off, my energy was low, and I felt stuck.

At first, I assumed I was just tired. I’d had a busy week full of social plans and commitments, so it made sense to feel drained. But later, when I took time to reflect — with the help of two friends — I realised what had really happened: I’d been triggered.

Understanding Triggers

Triggers aren’t always obvious. Sometimes they’re sparked by something small — a comment, a certain tone of voice, or even a feeling in the room. When we get triggered, our nervous system responds as if we’re under threat. For me, that meant feeling distant and stuck.

What stood out most in this experience was how powerful it was to share what had happened — and to be witnessed in that vulnerable space. When I could name what I was feeling and have two trusted friends simply be with me in that place, I felt so much lighter. The tension I’d been carrying started to dissolve.

Why Being Seen Matters

In my work, I often see this pattern in others too — moments when someone feels drained, unfocused, or overwhelmed without fully understanding why. What’s often happening beneath the surface is a stress response — one that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves.

That’s why self-awareness is so important. But there’s something equally powerful about sharing what’s going on and having someone witness you in it — without judgment or trying to fix it. When we’re met with curiosity and care, it creates space for us to settle, for clarity to emerge, and for us to reconnect with ourselves.

Practical Ways to Find Support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck and can’t quite put your finger on why, here are a few things that might help:

  1. Pause and Notice: Pay attention to what’s happening in your body. Are you feeling tense, restless, or disconnected? Naming what you’re experiencing can be the first step toward clarity.
  2. Reach Out: Sharing your experience — even when you don’t have it fully figured out — can be incredibly grounding. Whether it’s a trusted friend, coach or therapist, being witnessed in your experience can help shift things.
  3. Be Curious, Not Critical: It’s easy to judge ourselves when we feel off. Instead, try approaching those moments with curiosity — “What’s going on for me right now?” — rather than frustration.

Moments of feeling triggered or disconnected are part of being human. But when we create space to reflect — and invite trusted others into that space — we give ourselves a powerful chance to reset and reconnect.

Have you ever noticed how much lighter you feel when you can simply share what’s going on inside — and be met with understanding?