hso_mods: (Default)
hso_mods ([personal profile] hso_mods) wrote in [community profile] hs_olympics2012-05-20 10:49 pm
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Brief definition of 'trigger'

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.
echo_delta: Rose Lalonde (Homestuck) (hmm)

[personal profile] echo_delta 2012-05-21 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
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
masu_trout: Delicious. (Naptime)

Not a mod, but

[personal profile] masu_trout 2012-05-21 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
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.
echo_delta: Cynthia (Fire Emblem: Awakening) (excite)

Re: Not a mod, but

[personal profile] echo_delta 2012-05-21 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, that makes a lot more sense than what I was coming up with! Thank you for answering! :D