Trigger warning (TW)

Overview

A trigger warning (TW) is a note at the start of a post or piece of content that alerts readers that "this content includes emotionally painful topics." It's added when dealing with topics that may bring back trauma, such as self-harm, abuse, violence, eating disorders, and suicide. It's a kindness that gives readers time to prepare themselves and lets them decide for themselves whether to read it.

When a trigger warning is needed in a question box

In a question box, people sometimes send requests for advice about serious problems. With topics like bullying, family problems, and mental health struggles, it's good to keep in mind when you share your answer that some of your followers may have had the same experience.

When you share an answer on social media, writing something like "TW: contains content about bullying" at the start lets people who find that topic painful scroll past it. A trigger warning doesn't mean "this topic should be avoided." It means "being considerate of people who aren't ready to read it."

How to write a trigger warning

Keep a trigger warning short. Make it clear what the warning is about, as in "TW: contains the topic of self-harm" or "CW (Content Warning): content about eating disorders." A vague phrase like "This is a bit of a heavy topic" isn't enough, because readers can't tell what to avoid.

In social media posts, you can also be considerate by adding a few blank lines after the trigger warning, or by using a "Read more" collapse feature so the main text can't be seen without scrolling. Some social media services have a feature that shows a warning before people view a post.

What to do when you receive a serious question

When a question hinting at suicide or self-harm arrives in your question box, the owner isn't a professional, so they're not in a position to provide counseling or treatment. But they can point the sender to an appropriate support line.

If you answer, include information about support lines (for example, Inochi no Denwa (a crisis line in Japan): 0570-783-556, Yorisoi Hotline: 0120-279-338). Along with a message like "Please don't carry this alone," encourage them to talk to a professional. Respect the sender's anonymity while supporting them as far as you can. If you share the answer on social media, it's a good idea to add a trigger warning.