Quote:
Originally Posted by autotelica
Can I ask a dumb question?
What is "triggering"?
Is it just feeling a strong negative emotion? Or something that is just a step away from suicidal/self-harming stuff?
I have to be honest. I've never been on a board where everything seems to be a "trigger". I'm actually wincing as a type this in anticipation that someone will say that this post is "triggering". My mother once went on a bizarre diet where every other food had to be avoided because it was a "trigger" food. She never explained what those foods "triggered" or how she even knew they were "triggering". All I knew was it made being around her difficult.
I can't imagine internet conversations ever triggering me to do anything. But sometimes fairly innocuous questions from people IRL can remind me about where I am in life, setting the table for self-pitying and depression. Is that what people mean by "trigger"?
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I never used to know what that word means either so don't feel bad!
My definition may be different from others, but basically it means that I react badly to what someone says or does, to the extent of becoming depressed, confused, or angry with them. I think you're correct that a trigger is something that induces a strong negative reaction. Often it's an overreaction, and it's unique and personal. We all have different triggers so it's hard to know when we are triggering someone.
On the forums, we have a trigger icon, which people use when they "think" the topic may be triggering to others, which is usually when a poster talks about sex, abuse, religion or death. But anything can be a trigger! That's why this a good thread, to learn what to do when someone triggers you.