I’m not triggered

In today’s discussion about Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, as well as Conscious Language, we talked about how word choice can cause harm—can trigger a person. (That’s short for “trigger a negative reaction in a person.”)

Korra Saqqara spoke up in favor of not using that word because of its connotations.

I've been thinking a lot about the use of the word "triggered," in part because it's not used purposefully anymore (in the same way that "trauma" has often been cheapened by internet discourse) and in part because there's so much gun violence here in the US. As someone who lives with CPTSD, I prefer the term "dysregulated," because that doesn't come with those problems and also is more accurate to what is actually happening in my nervous system when I'm like that. (And re: "trigger warning," I prefer "content notes," myself.

I’m taking what Korra said to heart, and I’m dropping “triggered” from my vocabulary. “Dysregulated” is a better descriptor of that visceral punch to the gut that comes from encountering harmful messages when least expected.