When you trigger someone
I've noticed a disturbing pattern in the chatrooms. When a person says that the current topic is triggering to them and asks for a subject
change, some people tell them, in essence, to ‘get over it, because triggers are everywhere. In case you dont know, being triggered isnt
just a way of saying you dont particularly like a topic. It usually involves things like panic attacks, breathing problems, visual/sensory
flashbacks and even potential relapse in areas like self-harm or substance abuse. If youre talking about something inappropriate and
someone asks you to stop, theres no excuse for blaming them for suffering an involuntary reaction.
But, you may be saying, the topic I was bringing up wasnt inappropriate. I wouldnt tell them not to complain if it was.
That may be very true. And to a degree, we all need to make an effort to acclimate to subjects were uncomfortable with before asking others
to change the conversation.HOWEVER, 7 cups is supposed to be one of the few safe places for people suffering conditions like PTSD to
socialize without fear of being mocked or blamed for requiring special consideration. And please remember that just because you, yourself
are suffering does not give you the right to say anything that comes into your mind without regaurd to other suffering people whom you
might hurt.
To put it simply:
changing topics is easy; suffering panic attacks, flashbacks and other involuntary reactions is very hard.
Bottom line:
if someone is saying youre hurting them, youre supposed to care and make an effort to stop, whether you did it on purpose or not.