Je m’en veux mais il n’y a rien que je puisse faire pour y échapper.

Question

Hello. In your Week 35 B2 writing test, the above phrase triggers the subjunctive. It translates as: 
"I feel bad about it, but there's nothing that I can do to get out of it!"

I suspect that it may be the emotion "I feel bad ... that" that triggers the subjunctive, because no desire or need is shown. However I'd be very grateful for any further help with this (extremely idiomatic) phrase! 
Thank-you

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Andy !

Here the use of Subjonctif is actually triggered by "il n'y a rien que" (there is nothing that...):
Indeed, here the existence of something you can do is negated by "rien", and negating or denying something's existence and lack of certainty go hand-in-hand here.
Le Subjonctif highlights that you cannot be absolutely certain this is the case, it introduces a doubt as to whether there is actually nothing you can do.

I hope that's helpful!
Bonne Année !