Have you ever heard your daughter say “I’m triggered!”

To be “triggered” is to have a negative emotional response—often associated with some sort of PTSD. To some teens, “triggered” is just slang for “offended”, but it’s important to analyze how your girl is using the term. Might she be wrestling with some real anxiety?

If her anxiety seems to be triggered regularly, it may be time to seek the help of a Christian counselor. Learning why your daughter is being genuinely triggered can take time, but once you know what her triggers are, you can work to overcome them together as a family. Post Psalm 94:19 around your home and encourage your girl to commit it to memory: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: