What's all the fuss about triggers? (Mod note - please read)

[Bamboo_Chicken]

Generally, triggers are defined as anything that sets off a flashback. They are very personal and different things trigger different people. For this purpose of the forum, triggers may be found in such things as personal stories, explanations of emotions and even in such things as members’ poetry and creative writing etc.

While your story and road to recovery is important, we ask that you please ensure that you consider other members of this board and include trigger warnings in your thread titles or at the beginning of your posts if you believe they may trigger other members. We also ask that you use discretion when viewing threads here and take note of the trigger warnings. Also, if you come across a post/thread that you find triggering that doesn’t have a trigger warning placed within it, please also report it and staff will add the appropriate warning.

All trigger warnings should begin with a ‘*T*’ and then the specific kind of trigger the post relates to. For reference, these are the most common trigger warnings, and the ones that we ask you to use in your posts/threads:

CA – Child abuse
CSA – Child Sexual Assault
EA – Emotional Abuse
ED – Eating Disorder
PA – Physical abuse/assault
R - rape
SI/SH – Self-injury/self-harm
SA – Sexual Assault

Example - *T – CSA, ED*

If you believe that your post may trigger members but does not necessarily fit into these categories please still add a general *T* warning.

 

[Angeldove97]

Members and Staff,
Please be aware of this!! Staff does look through threads to decide if something is too triggery. But please do this ahead of time because we may have a delay before we can check and another person read's your thread!!

Thanks!!!!

 

[Gordon Wright]

You can't always know ahead of time what might trigger someone. I went through some bad stuff growing up and I had a lot of triggers as a result.

Well-meaning people pussyfooted around me. In retrospect, they weren't doing me any favors. Better to overcome your sensitivities and become stronger. Coddling weakness prevents spiritual growth. But not everyone has the courage to endure the backlash when a trigger gets tripped. Only the strong can get past the whole problem of triggers. It takes faith.

People think harshness is the same thing as emotional abuse. It isn't. Jesus was harsh, but never abusive. He triggered people something awful. On the other side, plenty of people are abusive without being harsh. They manipulate you with pleasing lies. Once you understand this distinction, you can benefit from the wounds of a friend, and also resist being manipulated by frenemies.

It's tempting to say just tell the truth plainly, and never mind all the trigger points out there. But the collateral damage will probably be unacceptable. It's a judgment call - no easy formula.

Also, be willing to leave behind those who won't grow. You can't do anything for them, and they will only hold you back. You can't save everyone. Sometimes you just have write people off and move on. Jesus did that, and told his disciples to do the same.

 

[Gordon Wright]

Perhaps what's needed is a special section for those willing to be triggered, together with those willing to endure the backlash from the triggered. One size does not fit all.

Getting past triggers is extremely important. I appreciate the concerns of mods to shelter the weaker members, but there are larger concerns. A separate section may be the way out of the dilemma.