I have a love-hate relationship with trigger warnings.
On one hand, they’ve absolutely helped me—especially during times when I felt particularly raw or fragile.
Knowing in advance that a show or movie might contain something distressing gave me a sense of control.
It allowed me to protect myself.
I could choose whether or not to engage, prepare myself emotionally, or skip it entirely.
In that way, trigger warnings felt like a small act of care.
When Trigger Warnings Trigger Me
But on the other hand… sometimes I read the trigger warning and still feel anxious.
Just seeing the list of potential themes can be enough to stir something in me—like I’m already bracing for impact before anything even happens.
It becomes less about choosing whether to engage, and more about anticipating harm.
There have been moments where I’ve spiralled simply because the warning alone brought back memories or fears I wasn’t ready to face that day.
Sitting With the Nuance
So, I sit somewhere in the middle.
I do believe trigger warnings can be healing. They can create safety and support agency.
But I also believe they can unintentionally cause distress—especially for those of us with Complex PTSD, trauma histories, or hypervigilant nervous systems.
They don’t always land gently. And that’s okay to admit.
This Isn’t an Argument—Just Reflection
This post isn’t here to argue for or against trigger warnings.
Because truthfully, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
It’s just me, naming the nuance. Holding space for both truths.
For the relief they’ve brought me—and the tension they’ve sometimes stirred up.
💬 What About You?
If you’ve ever felt torn about them too, you’re not alone.
Let me know in the comments—
Do you find trigger warnings helpful?
Or do they sometimes do more harm than good for you?
Traversing Trauma 
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