Brief definition of 'trigger'

[hso_mods]

The following post contains brief textual descriptions/examples and discussion of trauma and being triggered.

It has been brought to our attention that we have been remiss in not providing educational resources on triggers, which has caused a great deal of confusion, misunderstandings, and disrespect.
We hope that this post will clear things up a bit. If you feel that the information presented here is inaccurate in any way, we would appreciate your input and correction.


A 'trigger' is something which reminds someone of a traumatic event. Although the triggers themselves may not be inherently traumatic, their association with that traumatic event provokes an involuntary reactive cycle that may include panic attacks, uncontrollable crying, self-harming behaviors, dissociative episodes, etc. Triggers can be literally anything, from the commonly recognized to the mundane. Associating an object or action with a traumatic event is not a choice, nor does it follow a logical pattern.

Being triggered does not mean 'being made uncomfortable' or 'disliking something.' It is a physical reaction, much like an allergy--and just like people cannot control what they are allergic to, no matter how unusual or inconvenient it may be, people cannot control what they are triggered by.

For purposes of the HSO, we have decided to implement tagging as an accessibility feature to assist those HSO members who have triggers. You do not have to participate in the tagging system, but you do have to indicate whether or not you are participating in the main rounds.

Comments

[thatbronywiththeglasses]

I apologize for this mess. Though I myself am not a part of it, it looks like you guys are under a whole lotta' stress about this whole situation.

Please know that personally, I think these things are getting blown way out of proportion. It's understandable that everyone is wanting to be "politically correct," but frankly there is never any way to please everyone.

So I guess I'm just begging everybody to calm their tits and hold hands and sip some Faygo because everything's going to be alright and if anybody needs to vent, pleeeease vent to me, not the sad mods. Look at them. Well, imagine looking at them. Those poor sad faces all sniffly. The mods made a small error, as did the rest of the community. Like I said, if anybody needs to vent or just feels they really need to talk about anything, please just message me! Let's let the mods get this amazingly epic event started so we can all engage in some friendly competition!

[echo_delta]

Thank you mods for the info and clarifications! But can you elaborate on the last sentence, please? Are you saying that if one has a trigger, they'll need to let you know they're participating in the main rounds? Or is that directed toward submissions, saying they'll need tags in the main rounds?

Sorry for my confusion! It's late so maybe I'm just not reading well right now. XD

Not a mod, but

[masu_trout]

As far as I'm aware, it means the authors for each round can have a 'Choose Not to Tag' tag instead of participating in using the other tags.

Re: Not a mod, but

[echo_delta]

Oh, that makes a lot more sense than what I was coming up with! Thank you for answering! :D

*phew*

[djiinraidinnae]

Thank you, thank you; again and again!

I feel so much better just having this post here.

[sinnovedades]

I wasn't sure of the meaning either, because english is not my first language and that word was unknown to me úwuU
But thanks for the clarification! Really appreciated 8D!

[dogtierlions]

Thank you, seriously!
I would like to point out, though, that some tags that were listed (such as flashing gifs, strobe, etc) are there to help even outside of the trauma aspect.
I personally don't have any mental/emotional triggers, but I am epileptic and I greatly appreciate anyone who takes time to tag things that may be a potential health threat!!