One of the big debates right now is whether or not trigger warnings should be used in schools and media. If you don't already know, a trigger warning is a statement at the beginning of a piece of text or a video that warns of images like rape, murder or violence that might affect someone who is affected by trauma. There are strong opinions on both sides. Those for the use of trigger warnings say that not using them is to disrespect people with PTSD. Those against say it's coddling and an impediment of freedom of speech. Unfortunately, while each side has their points, it seems a lot of people on both sides don't actually know what triggers are.

A lot of people use the word trigger when it isn't appropriate. Most mistake it as a synonym for uncomfortable or upsetting. They feel "triggered" when something goes against their views or makes them feel awkward. But in reality, it's much more serious. When a person is triggered, they're not just being over-dramatic. People who deal with triggers suffer from some sort of PTSD. When someone is recovering from a trauma, even simple phrases can bring them back to that horrible time. You know when you see a commercial for a favorite food, and you can practically taste it? It's like that, but the memories are much less enjoyable than just thinking about eating. Most people associate PTSD with soldiers back from war. But it can come from any sort of trauma; rape, death in the family, accidents. Things that an unfortunate amount of people deal with. And it's not just a bad mental image that comes from a triggering experience. The brain is powerful; it can recreate moments with surprising accuracy. The physical pain as well as crippling fear from an event that happened years ago can come rushing back to you as soon as you see something even vaguely reminiscent of that time. Some people have a difficult time dealing with such sudden emotions.

Of course there is the issue of people using the claim of being triggered to avoid things they don't like. Students could claim they are bothered by the images in a book in order to get out of writing a report. Teens could use it to avoid discussing difficult and controversial topics. And unfortunately, this does happen, which is why many don't take them seriously. People also worry that being forced to use trigger warnings on their work will prevent artistic integrity and freedom of speech. But when used correctly, trigger warnings will in no way change the content. They just alert people to the kind of content they will encounter. Much like the ratings at beginning of movies, it helps people decide if it's something they will feel comfortable with.

No matter what your opinion is on the subject, it's important to understand what exactly triggers are. A lot of people suffer from extreme mental breakdowns after seeing triggering images, and it's unfortunate that those aren't the people associated with the word, but those who abuse the idea and what goes along with it. This is a real psychological condition, and should be treated as such. So even if you don't support the use of trigger warnings, at least understand what they really represent.