In 2006, I lost 70 percent of the use of my left hand when it was crushed between two steel rollers at work, costing three fingers, half my thumb and the top skin layer. I endured 11 surgeries, including one where my hand was temporarily sewn into my side for a month to rebuild my thumb and two skin grafts.

The stress of this event also cost us the dream of parenthood, with the loss of our unborn child.

As a result, I am permanently disabled and suffer from moderate to severe chronic PTSD, which is characterized by re-experiencing the trauma, usually from sensory perception: mostly sight, sound or smells which put me emotionally back at that terrible moment. This is called “triggering.”

It is frustrating that pop culture has adopted the term “trigger/triggering” when describing how people react to others who disagree with them or the angst they might feel in seeing something that offends their sensibilities. This misuse of the word cheapens and co-opts the term, reducing its impact and the gravity of PTSD.

Unless someone has been formally diagnosed by a qualified clinician as suffering from PTSD, that person should refrain from using the word. Being offended or upset does not give the right to speak of being “triggered” so flippantly.

This also indicates a lack of maturity and an ignorance of the realization that we will all, sooner or later, disagree with one another. It would be wise for everyone to step back, calm down, and stop the drama. Life is full of upsets, and you can’t behave like a scalded cat every time something doesn’t go your way. Love your family and friends and support your community, no matter who’s in office.

— Timothy Will

Salisbury