Trigger Warning

[AncientWolf]

The following is the original Trigger Warning Stickie from here that was sent to me by a friend who had it on their hard drive. I'm not sure who composed it, but it was a useful system to many before. I hope it is helpful.

I would like to say I've seen a lot of descriptive and graphic posts around these parts. We all acknowledge that there is a need to write this stuff at times, the only thing anyone asks is that if you need to write something along those lines that you identify it in the subject by writing, "warning possible trigger" in the subject.

And also remember to write "Warning possible trigger" as the first line of your post as well. When you write it in the post it is helpful to put it in larger print, bold print, red print.....anything to make it stand out so that people are warned there is a trigger in the post.

I would also like to remind everyone to try to use the icon as a post icon in any post that might contain anything that is a trigger to anyone. (and don't use that icon for posts that don't contain a trigger.)

Triggers are anything that describes or mentions- violence, suicide, sex, religion, child abuse (of any kind) , self-harm.

I can't think of any others off the top of my head but those are the majors.....if anyone else has anything that triggers you please post it.

Most of all, remember that just because it doesn't trigger you, doesn't mean it doesn't trigger someone else. Let's all be aware and try to mark our posts appropriately.

This reminder isn't because anyone forgot to mark something, it's just a friendly reminder because we haven't had one in a while and because there have been several new members lately.

Welcome new members. Don't feel overwhelmed about all of this. It seems like a lot to remember, but trust me, it just becomes second nature after a while....a good rule of thumb is that if you think it might trigger in any way, mark it as a trigger.

Thanks all.


I'm not sure which icon is the one to which the original poster was referring. Anyone know? Braintalk and our forums change over the years as people come and go. If anyone has any comments or anything to add feel free. As always, please post your triggers that weren't mentioned if you need people to be aware of them.

Peace,

Daniel

(moderator please sticky)

[AncientWolf]

I found out the icon that was suggested is the one I used for this reply. The yellow triangle with the ! in it.

Daniel

[waves]

To my recollection, credit goes to Wittesea for the original post you quoted.

i think the following snippet alone covers the essentials without being too restrictive.a good rule of thumb is that if you think it might trigger in any way, mark it as a trigger.where i would like "mark it as a trigger" to mean simply, let people know there could be intense material contained in further writing, or in the entire thread.

specific common triggers... those mentioned are useful but these guides cover a good few bipolar areas, which seems a bit contradictory... i feel that the emphasis should be more on whether the poster feels the material will be very emotionally intense, explicit, or frightening... that is why i really like the rule of thumb.

the marking of a post...

i think the icon idea is useful, but disagree with limiting the caution sign to this meaning. The other "temp" board is going to add an icon to be used as a trigger icon. so perhaps we could introduce a trigger icon... i don't know, say

a black circle with a white lightning rod? :eek:

i do not like the idea of making the word trigger or warning stand out... too much. i don't mind saying this in itself triggers me personally. however i would leave it to the poster to do that or not, without making one or the other as a guideline.

I also support the idea that these trigger "procedures" serve as guidelines and not rules.

Thanks Ancientwolf for fishing out Wittesea's old post.

regards

~ waves ~