forum What is getting triggered??

Started June 04, 2023 by @FRANKtheTritoposaur group

tune

Hello!! I am writing traumatized characters and I wanted to know what trigger is, what getting triggered it, and why people get triggered.

"triggers" are sort of slang for things that cause anxiety attacks, hallucinations/flashbacks, bursts of anger, or any other trauma related response. triggers can be anything, but usually they're related to the event(s) that caused their panic disorder/PTSD.

let's say a woman got attacked by a dog when she was young. That event formed some sort of PTSD with her. Now, her trigger is loud barking. When startled by loud barking, the woman becomes panicky and begins being hypervigilant of her surroundings.

Responses to triggers vary across all sorts of people, often depending on what the event was and how it affected them.

I must warn you not to overuse these, for trauma is a very real thing and it isn't some personality trait you assign to characters. Do your research on trauma and its effects.

Thanks brochaco. I just wanted to write my character accurately

A scent can trigger someone to think about a person or crave a particular food, or remind a person of a place or an event that happened in the past. Scent is very powerful.

Certain behaviors can be triggering for others. It's important to cognizant of how our own behaviour or the behaviors of others because it can or may cause unforeseen comments or unknown reactions in other human beings.

Sight can also be a particularly triggering. Seeing objects can trigger an addict to want to use a substance. Seeing a couple together can trigger jealousy, sadness or anger, or hope.

It's important to keep in mind that people and animals of all ages and sizes are highly sensitive to their surroundings. This is especially important for babies and children and really anyone particularly those with known or unknown disabilities.

Our personal energy or opinion can also trigger others on a emotional, mental or psychological level. This is why its important to try to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Have compassion and empathy for others. We really do not know what is going on in the minds of others. More often that we are aware, we are so quick to make judgments, assumptions and stereotype people without diving deeper in thought about what is truly going on inside of others. Give more hugs and smiles and love to others…you might just be surprised at what you discover about yourself.