Triggered Much? How Trigger Words Effect Us

Have you ever had something finally sink in after a few friendly chats? That happened recently when I was explaining trigger words to a mate over a couple of beers. We were talking about dyslexia, and he suddenly had a “click” moment. In today’s episode, we dive into that surprising epiphany and explore how trigger words can hijack your focus.

This episode is all about practical ways to spot and manage these sneaky trigger words. We look at the random ways they show up, how they affect your mind, and how you can move forward without getting stuck. It’s a real-life glimpse into how simple shifts can open the door to big changes in how people with dyslexia feel and function.

What Are Trigger Words?

Trigger words are those pesky words or phrases that sidetrack your brain. They seem normal at first, but they can throw you off and cause frustration. When you have dyslexia, or you’re simply feeling a bit scattered, these words can feel like roadblocks. It’s like your mind hits a speed bump and stalls.

Sometimes these words are emotional triggers that bring a rush of past memories. Other times they’re little stumbling blocks that trip you up while reading. If you’ve ever found yourself re-reading a phrase that refuses to make sense, there’s a chance it contains a trigger word.

“The moment I realised a simple word was derailing my whole reading flow, it felt like someone switched on the lights.”

How Understanding Trigger Words Helps

Being aware of trigger words changes everything. My friend, who had no idea how much they were affecting him, was relieved when he finally got it. He went from feeling stuck and confused to calmly noticing when these words popped up.

There’s power in recognising that not every reading challenge is about intelligence or effort. Sometimes you’re just being ambushed by an invisible tripwire. Once you know where it’s hidden, you can step around it or dismantle it completely.

Ways to Identify Your Triggers

If you’re thinking, “How do I figure out which words trip me up?”, try to watch for moments when your mind suddenly goes cloudy. It might feel like the meaning of a sentence vanishes or you can’t recall what you just read. That’s a key sign there’s a trigger word lurking. Here are a few tips:

• Take note of repeated stumbles: If a certain word keeps causing confusion, pop it on a list.
• Read aloud: Hearing the word can help you catch an odd hitch in your reading flow.
• Ask a friend: Sometimes an outside perspective points out words you may not notice yourself.

Keep your eyes peeled for unusual feelings of frustration, especially if they arrive out of nowhere. That’s often the mark of a trigger word causing mischief.

Working Around Trigger Words

So, what do you do when you’ve got your list of triggers? The good news is there are ways to handle them. Some people find it helpful to create new mental images or definitions for words that often trip them up. Others practise reading them in different contexts until the sting fades.

It’s also useful to double-check if you’ve been mixing up similar words. If you see the word “idea” but your mind goes blank, it could be that you’ve attached a negative loop to it. Working on pairing images with each new word can ease tension. For instance, if “trigger” itself is a problem, picture a big red button whenever you see it. That mental anchor can calm the spin.

The Social Side of Trigger Words

Finding words that trip you up can feel embarrassing at first. You might think, “I should know how to read this by now,” or worry you’re being silly. Truth is, triggers are often connected to feelings like shame or pressure. Chatting with friends or sharing your list of tricky words can help defuse the negative charge.

It’s fun to laugh at how random some of those trigger words can be. One friend of mine got stuck on the word “quiet,” which isn’t a big monster word. Yet it kept messing with his flow. When he started joking about it, the power it held over him shrank.

Key Takeaways

• Trigger words can be any innocuous word that blocks your reading flow.
• They show up unexpectedly, especially when you’re tired or stressed.
• Acknowledging them is the first step to overcoming them.
• Sharing your list of triggers with friends or a support group can normalise the challenge.
• Simple tricks like using mental images or reading aloud can help you stay on track.

Give yourself permission to explore these triggers without shame. Learning to spot and handle them can transform your reading and writing experience.

If you’re ready to learn more and hear extra insights, be sure to listen to the full conversation at the top of this page. You’ll find more stories, practical advice, and a bit of humour along the way. Don’t miss out.