I know what it means here, but sometimes postings are worded in a way that confuses me.

Is it a trigger or is it just something that was annoying at the time?

Is it a a word that's gone mainstream and, so, lost it's gravity?

Just curious and confused.

What do you think?

For me, a "trigger" is something that makes me emotionally upset. When I immediately react to the emotion(s) without acknowledging what previous incident I am replaying, it can end up causing a problem and/or fueling more of the same emotions. I have a tendency to overgeneralize many words. Once I get in the habit of using a word properly--I multipurpose it to much. Maybe this is the tendency you are noticing. Plus, this word is used so much at PC perhaps that fuels its use.

[bearguardian]

Everything has its "shadow" side. I think word trigger is appropriate as information that sets of memories/emotions of trauma or something. The shadow side is thinking of trigger as annoyance, as you said. It devaluates its original meaning.
You can take any word or information and use it in the context of conversation also. Someone may think I am antichristian because of some of my posts today, but I was just stating one aspect of it, not generalizing.
Language is a very strange phenomenon.

[MickeyCheeky]

From what I know, a trigger is something that makes you remember a traumatic past experience..

Most people, usually those without MI, twist it around and overuse it, to refer to some messagges that they don't like (not even upset them, just don't like), so nobody takes it seriously anymore. (That's why you'll find many people that makes fun of it)

I think that's terrible, especially because those who are actually triggered, like the folks here at PC, aren't taken seriously when they say they're triggered.. that makes me mad.

I sell triggers. Let me know what you need and I'll ship it to you via Amazon Prime.

[RubyRae]

The word trigger,for me,is associated with something that reminds me of traumatic experiences that causes my PTSD symptoms to go into high gear.I think for other MI's,there are triggers involved too,setting off depressive episodes,etc.In other words,I associate it with mental illness.

I find it annoying when it's overused just the same as claiming PTSD is annoying and invalidating.I hate when someone says "oh,that was triggering" when it's really not,or saying they have PTSD from a breakup,watching a horror movie,or whatever,using those words in everyday language when they don't even know the true meanings.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Hopingtrying

For me, a "trigger" is something that makes me emotionally upset. When I immediately react to the emotion(s) without acknowledging what previous incident I am replaying, it can end up causing a problem and/or fueling more of the same emotions. I have a tendency to overgeneralize many words. Once I get in the habit of using a word properly--I multipurpose it to much. Maybe this is the tendency you are noticing. Plus, this word is used so much at PC perhaps that fuels its use.

This is what a trigger is for me. Best wishes.

[Constellation36]

Common triggers for me include holidays and birthdays. As I understand it, a trigger is something that sets off an underlying mental illness. Certain times of the year the beginning of fall and spring) are also triggers for me. I also try to stay away from certain people who think that my mental illness is my fault or that I could have prevented it somehow (or others who insist I go off of my medication). A big sign for me that I've been "triggered" is severe anxiety, insomnia, and reckless spending.

[Unrigged64072835]

To me a trigger is something that causes an action not related to that thing. It usually is a traumatic response, but it could also be another emotional response (like anger). It seems to be used here a lot because MI people tend to have triggers from past abuse, neglect, or other circumstances. It gets hard for me because I have PTSD and BPD and usually get yelled at IRL for not using coping skills after I've been triggered.