Not-So-Fun Fact about me: I’m currently diagnosed ((among a laundry list of other things)) with syncope. Basically that means sometimes I pass out for no rhyme or reason. And that’s not fun. It’s not a panic attack, there’s usually no clear cause…

So today in choir I was chillin’ like a villain and only sort of singing since I have a throat cold, when all of a sudden goodbye world.

And the worst part is that it’s in front of everyone. And I’m just there. Unconscious for who knows how long and I know that they all just stare at me because what else would they do?

I was told I was only out for five minutes, but still they called the EMT and it was this whole scene and I was so freaking embarrassed I am doneion rings.

Basically my day really sucked and now I don’t want to go back to choir because it makes my social anxiety haywire when I do things like pass out in front of everyone.

People who complain about have to trigger warning their posts make me really mad, honestly. And they usually give some ridiculous argument like,

“Well you can’t trigger warning real life so stop being sensitive and get used to it.”

But that’s just silly.
Yes you can. I do it every day just to keep me healthy and safe.

I wear earplugs at robotics competitions and other loud, crowded places because that level of loudness triggers my migraines and anxiety.

I avoid certain movies, shows, and books because I know they will set off my anxiety or PTSD.

I cut certain people out of my life if I know they say harmful things or make jokes at the expense of others, or they are associated with someone that caused me to have PTSD in the first place.

I make small adjustments all around my life because triggers are a legitimate concern to my safety. Being exposed to my triggers can cause me migraines, panic attacks, anxiety, or even trigger my syncope, as well as other unsavory side effects.

So when I ask you to tag your triggers, I’m not doing it to have you help me not see something that is mildly uncomfortable to me, I’m doing it because I expect you to take three seconds to help me stay safe in a place that’s much harder to avoid my triggers than in “real life”.