on the word “trigger”

scatterdarknessscattersilence:

“trigger” is a word used for many different health conditions. it is used because it means “sets off” without saying “causes”.

conditions that can have triggers include, but are not limited to:
*ptsd
*anxiety/panic attacks
*some pain-related conditions
*some digestive issues
*phobias
*migraines
*eating disorders
*epilepsy
*addictions

people keep doing this thing where they’re like “’trigger’ is only to be used for ptsd!!!!1″ and it’s one of those things where we’re doing purity policing as a substitute for actual social justice praxis, and also it’s bullshit for other reasons

i get migraines, one of the things that triggers my migraines is weather changes. when i record this in my migraine tracker app “trigger” is the language that they use. it is the language that i use with my doctor. this is normal.

none of this makes “triggered” jokes okay but y’all need to stop trying to act like ptsd flashbacks are the True And Okay use of the word, it’s shitty