Understanding Triggers: A Personal and Societal Perspective
Defining Triggers and Their Impact
I have written about triggers in many of my blogs, and most of us have encountered them in one way or another. The critical question is whether these reactions become pathological. In my view, if a response to something in your environment disturbs your peace or disrupts your daily routine, it can be considered pathological. On the other hand, if you react appropriately to a situation or a change in your surroundings, it may just be a natural response rather than a trigger.
The Startle Response and Personal Experience
Consider the startle response, which is an innate, automatic reaction to a sudden sound, movement, or stimulus. This response occurs instantly. Personally, I have a very sensitive startle response, sometimes to the point of humorous exaggeration, which is common among those with complex PTSD. For example, if someone unexpectedly appears from around a corner or behind a door, and I am not anticipating them, I might jump. However, most of the time, I am able to regain my composure quickly.
The Widespread Use of the Term “Trigger”
The term “trigger” is now commonly used to describe a wide range of experiences. Trigger warnings are present in everything from horror films to magazine articles and books. When I looked up the dictionary definition, I found the following:
“a small device that releases a spring or catch and so sets off a mechanism, especially in order to fire a gun.”
While I use the term “trigger” in a somewhat different context, I would certainly be “triggered” if someone even possessed a gun, regardless of whether the spring was released!
Limitations of Generalized Trigger Warnings
The challenge with using generalized trigger warnings is that no matter how comprehensive the list, there will always be individuals whose specific triggers are not included. Each of us is unique, with distinct mental and emotional experiences, which influence how we connect with and relate to the world. While there are more obvious warnings, such as those for violence, explicit sexual content, or graphic language, these do not account for every possible trigger.
When media outlets attempt to create exhaustive lists of trigger warnings, they risk misrepresentation. For instance, a person’s trigger could be something as specific as the sound of a male voice with a broad northwestern accent, perhaps due to a traumatic past experience. Or, someone might feel unsettled when watching news reports about a certain region because of a negative association with that place.
Shifting Focus: Managing Triggers Instead of Avoiding Them
As someone who advocates for mental health, especially in the area of trauma, I believe there comes a point when we should shift our focus from exposure to management of our triggers. This shift can lead to greater control and empowerment. If we concentrate solely on avoiding triggers, it would be nearly impossible to engage with media or even turn on our phones.
Even after reading trigger warnings, the issue of misrepresentation remains. If an author tried to list every possible trigger in a book, it might take up the first 200 pages, and by the time you finished, you would already know the characters, the plot, and the ending! Instead, reading a synopsis can provide a general overview, allowing you to avoid content that may not resonate with you.
Can We Truly Eliminate Triggers?
How can we possibly remove all triggers from the world? The reality is that the term “trigger” could apply to almost anything around us, and it is simply not feasible to avoid everything outside our immediate experience. Are we moving toward a world where we are encouraged to stay inside, fearful of the outside? While I am not a conspiracy theorist, this is a thought-provoking idea. Ultimately, I believe that respecting each other’s boundaries and listening to ourselves as a collective is the way to foster understanding and create a world where we do not have to live in fear.
Extending Empathy and Support
I hope that my perspective resonates with others. I also want to extend empathy to anyone who struggles with fears, no matter their form or how they manifest. Remember, support is available—consider reaching out to your NHS GP or calling 111 if you need help.
