Everywhere we turn, we hear about the importance of mental health – ads for antidepressants, the creation of suicide hotlines, and reminders to check in with others who may be struggling.
I love this so much, Dana. It needs to be said! This has been quite a topic in my circles of late, centered on trigger warnings in media (film, TV, fiction, lyrics, dance, etc). I'm a writer of dark contemporary fiction, some of it psychological, some paranormal, some of it leaning into horror. What I write can absolutely be triggering to others.
The challenge in including trigger warnings (especially in challenging genres where one expects to be unsettled by what they read) is so complex because people who are creating story in whatever medium cannot possibly know all the different ways that people can be triggered. At the same time, trigger warnings can become unwitting spoilers for readers, and that's no fun either. It's the unfolding of the mysterious in fiction that keeps them reading,
As someone with my own MH challenges, I know I have my own triggers and there's no way other people--including storymakers--would ever guess them. I have come to realize that the only way for me to interact with potentially triggering material is to have my own emotional tools in place to offset them and to take responsibility for managing them. It could mean quietly leaving a space (virtual or in real life), breathing through moments where I can't remove myself, diverting my attention elsewhere, meditation after the fact, etc.
All to say that, yes, the world is brimming with horrors... some of them consensually and collectively agreed upon, and others that are unique to individuals (and often invisible to everyone else). At the end of the day, it's still my job to mitigate risk as I move through the world carrying my own burdens and monsters and fears.
Thank you for sharing that, Tamara. You are very self-aware which is critical. You brought up some great points. As a highly sensitive person, overstimulation (loud noises, competing voices, etc.) is a trigger for me, even if all is well. I love that you've identified tools that work for you. I may try a couple of those myself. xo
Exercise has always been my go to. While I've never suffered clinical depression, I do have moments of melancholy. Like you say, a walk by the water, or in my case, a plunge into icy Lake Michigan usually resets my head and makes me laugh from the effects of (GCSS) George Costanza Shrinkage Syndrome. Thanks for the words!
I'm so thankful this topic is less taboo than in the past--and that you shared your voice. So important and impactful. You are brave AND wise
I love this so much, Dana. It needs to be said! This has been quite a topic in my circles of late, centered on trigger warnings in media (film, TV, fiction, lyrics, dance, etc). I'm a writer of dark contemporary fiction, some of it psychological, some paranormal, some of it leaning into horror. What I write can absolutely be triggering to others.
The challenge in including trigger warnings (especially in challenging genres where one expects to be unsettled by what they read) is so complex because people who are creating story in whatever medium cannot possibly know all the different ways that people can be triggered. At the same time, trigger warnings can become unwitting spoilers for readers, and that's no fun either. It's the unfolding of the mysterious in fiction that keeps them reading,
As someone with my own MH challenges, I know I have my own triggers and there's no way other people--including storymakers--would ever guess them. I have come to realize that the only way for me to interact with potentially triggering material is to have my own emotional tools in place to offset them and to take responsibility for managing them. It could mean quietly leaving a space (virtual or in real life), breathing through moments where I can't remove myself, diverting my attention elsewhere, meditation after the fact, etc.
All to say that, yes, the world is brimming with horrors... some of them consensually and collectively agreed upon, and others that are unique to individuals (and often invisible to everyone else). At the end of the day, it's still my job to mitigate risk as I move through the world carrying my own burdens and monsters and fears.
Thank you for sharing that, Tamara. You are very self-aware which is critical. You brought up some great points. As a highly sensitive person, overstimulation (loud noises, competing voices, etc.) is a trigger for me, even if all is well. I love that you've identified tools that work for you. I may try a couple of those myself. xo
Excellent, Dana!
Exercise has always been my go to. While I've never suffered clinical depression, I do have moments of melancholy. Like you say, a walk by the water, or in my case, a plunge into icy Lake Michigan usually resets my head and makes me laugh from the effects of (GCSS) George Costanza Shrinkage Syndrome. Thanks for the words!
Your good buddy Joe.
I will leave the icy plunges to you!
Aw, come on now!