Do We Need 'Trigger Warnings'?

Ever noticed a “trigger warning” at the start of an article and wondered why it was necessary? A member explains…

Trigger warning. This article discusses, generally, mental heath and PTSD.

Trigger warnings are effective in preventing panic attacks and flashbacks to traumatic events, as well as trauma-fuelled episodes that come from reliving such events.

Putting trigger warnings at the top of an article, or before a video, ensures that the viewer can stay protected from something they do not want to experience all over again.

This is especially helpful if the person has been affected by PTSD from the events or topic the article focuses on.

The reader is able to then decide if they want to go forward with the possibly-triggering content or not, allowing the person to mentally prepare themselves or exit the article if the subject is too triggering for them.

Mental health is important and we need to make sure we are mindful of this when we are producing content that may trigger people.

You wouldn't take away a paralysed person’s wheelchair or knock someone off their crutches if they couldn't walk; mental health deserves just as much appreciation and attention.

Putting trigger warnings atop articles saves someone from potentially harming their mental health. We have to be mindful and sensitive and take into consideration that terrible things have happened to people; when putting up sensitive articles on such subjects, trigger warnings are needed.

Trigger warnings do not prevent people from engaging with difficult topics, because they have the right to choose if they engage in the topic or not after acknowledging that trigger warning. Therefore, they know what content is included in the material and if it's too much for them they know to steer clear.

I cannot stress enough how important trigger warnings are, especially as it protects the mental health of an individual. Without trigger warnings someone's mental health could seriously be in danger, especially if they are only just recovering from an event, or if the content could unnecessarily resurface a traumatic event.

Congratulations to Jasmine for winning this writing challenge, answering: Do We Need 'Trigger Warnings'? Jasmine wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!