Counting the cost :
Trauma : real and whipped up
By Mike Sanchez
T riggers and trauma are real phenomena . More people than we can ever imagine are living their lives like silent warriors , struggling in silence and fighting through the chaos of past , or current , pain . Meanwhile , our modern day society offers too few solutions , and too few places of refuge . For many there is no rest .
Military families , police and fire personnel , doctors and nurses , survivors of incomprehensible past abuses , neglect , and abandonment are just some of the silent warriors our society should embrace , support , and cherish . Survivors of attacks , accidents , and natural disasters are also among the warriors , and there are many others , like the unsung heroes who ' ve been on the receiving end of a lot of misplaced wrath during the pandemic . To take an honest , agenda-free look at the situation of human trauma and its consequences is to cut deeply into the fabric of our very humanity . While many agencies exist to provide services , most are underfunded , short-staffed , and in general , overwhelmed . Few of us have the inner awareness to really consider those living with trauma or to engage in anything resembling compassionate , caring support . Full disclosure , even I don ’ t consider the reality of the situation nearly as much as I should .
It ’ s been said that a thriving community is only as strong as the compassion and care the members have for each other . This is a heavy statement that implicates most of us . Should we feel guilty or embarrassed for our lack of awareness ? No . However , we should stop and take a deeper look . Then , we should be moved into action , whether that means volunteering in some capacity , donating to underfunded organizations already supporting these warriors , or simply being kinder , more patient , and considerate . Not all people are having a great day , or life , at the moment we encounter them .
In contrast , our society has fallen into a model I call “ trigger culture ” where everyone is a little quick to take offense to the most benign events . Someone takes it personally that they don ' t get the right amount of whipped topping on their latte , or calls another out for not allowing " their truth " to be told . Trigger culture has nothing to do with people dealing with real trauma . It ’ s just what happens when people seek the quickest “ solution ” to their current angst .
Trigger culture comes at a price . It leads to an inflexibility that rejects people for being human . For example : Let ’ s say I mistakenly , or on bad advice , make a statement or joke that gets called out . Someone responds that they feel “ triggered ” or behaves negatively . Then , I do the right thing and sincerely apologize for offending the “ triggered ” person . That should be that . Except more often than not you see people having knee-jerk reactions to even the best intentions . Anything “ questionable ” I have ever done is magnified and any good I ’ ve done is disregarded . While I always support calling out and holding accountable predators and criminals , I can ’ t support the insanity of trying to destroy another person because they overreacted to a small offense or behaved badly towards another . My question is this : in what circumstance will a sincere apology not suffice ?
In my humble opinion , and from my limited perspective on the human condition , it seems like honesty , transparency , and authenticity would help us to focus our efforts and energy on helping others thrive as they work through past trauma and manage their very real and painful triggers , while at the same time calling out the insanity of “ trigger culture ” and its cousin “ cancel culture .” Then again , this is the same society that fell for the “ Pet Rock .” Well , one can hope .
If you or someone you know is in need of help , call or text 988 or the National suicide hotline at : 1-800-273-TALK ( 8255 ). Help is just a phone call or text away .
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