Getting trigger-happy with trigger warningsMental health, (dis)ability and activism

Katie

Trigger warningTalk will include discussion of disability and mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and suicide. Will also include discussion of how other oppressed groups may be triggered i.e. through racism, queerphobia, sexism, etc. No detailed or graphic discussion of any of these issues.

About me My experience with physical and mental disability Diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety – 2006 Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome – 2012 Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2008 and

2013 from two separate instances of trauma Animal and human rights activist Experience working with people with mental illness or who

have been exposed to trauma, such as refugees As Youth Advisor to the Board of Amnesty International

Australia, initiated creation of their first Safer Spaces policy

Overview Terminology What is a disability and a (dis)ability? Mental health as a disability Why activists need to be aware of people with

disabilities and trauma: Safe spaces Trigger warnings Being inclusive Making adjustments to working arrangements

Talk will focus particularly on mental health

Terminology Generally, the preferred term is “person with a disability”, not

“disabled person” (although some activists dislike this) i.e. “Person with Down syndrome”, not “Down syndrome person”.

Some people use the term “able-bodied” to describe their privilege as someone without a disability, however this is a limited view of disability

The phrases “person without a disability” or “non-disabled” cover all types of disability

Many insults in common use have an ableist origin and should be avoided – obvious ones include “retard”, “crazy”, “mental”, “insane” but others less obvious are “lame”, “idiot”, “moron”, “dumb”, “stupid”, “imbecile,

Phrases “blinded by..”, “turning a deaf ear”, “crippled by..” Some alternative words: ridiculous, obtuse, ignorant,

uneducated, boring, inane, pathetic, unbelievable, etc

What is a disability? Physical, intellectual or psychological Visible or not visible Note a person with disability may not be

aware of their disability Some are static, some change day-to-

day, some will come and go

What is (dis)ability? Some people prefer to see their impairment as an

extra ability, not a disability Some people with autism spectrum disorder have

extraordinary abilities in maths, art, music, etc My mental health issues and exposure to trauma

give me greater empathy i.e. connecting with other traumatised animals, my desire to advocate for victims

On the other hand, don’t dismiss the real suffering and limitations that a disability can bring, i.e. with chronic fatigue, can be confined to a bed for days

Mental health Depression is the leading cause of disability in the

world – World Health Organization More awareness of mental health now, but still a lot

of stigma Often not recognised as a disability by society Statistics vary, but between 25-50% of people will

experience a mental illness Many of you will have a mental illness, or have a

loved one with a mental illness The more you talk about your issues with others, the

more common you realise mental health issues are

Relevance to activism Particularly important for intersectional

activists to understand mental health because: often deal with traumatic issues, can be exposed to trauma, work with those exposed to trauma, and need to set the best example of

inclusivity for society

Issues for activists Safe spaces Trigger warnings Being inclusive Making adjustments to working arrangements Preventing activist burn-out

Safe Spaces A place where anyone can relax and be fully

self-expressed, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, or physical or mental ability; a place where the rules guard each person's self-respect and dignity and strongly encourage everyone to respect others — Advocates for Youth

Criticism of trigger warnings and safe spaces Even left-wing publications like the Guardian

have published articles critical of trigger warnings eg they are “counterproductive” (Jill Filipovic)

In her article, Trigger warnings are counter-productive, Filipovic claims:1. It stifles free discussion and challenging of ideas2. It doesn’t empower survivors of violence3. Some traumas are worthy of warnings, some aren’t4. It makes women feel more vulnerable5. University is a place for learning new ideas, and

not an appropriate place for trigger warnings

Myth bustingIt stifles free discussion and challenging of ideas

The use of trigger warnings allows individuals to make informed choices, to preserve their mental health. Very triggering topics can be discussed and challenged, but in a safe way, where people may opt out due to their trauma or mental health capacity.

It doesn’t empower survivors of violence, who should ask for warnings directly

It is incredibly insensitive to expect a survivor of violence to directly demand trigger warnings. Filipovic proposes that a woman who has experienced sexual violence should approach her lecturer and request warnings. I can not imagine ever approaching any of my lecturers to discuss my own experience of sexual violence.

Some traumas are worthy of warnings

All oppression is interlinked. An intersectional approach does not create a hierarchy of oppression.

It make women feel more vulnerable

Trigger warnings are designed to protect vulnerable people. Women, and others, are vulnerable in our sexist, racist, homophobic society. It is better to provide protection than to trigger trauma.

University is a place for learning new ideas, warnings are inappropriate

Our society, including universities, should strive to be inclusive of people with mental health issues and trauma. Triggering ideas can be discussed in a way that is safe, and that people consent to.

How to create safe spaces Set the ground rules for language, conduct and conflict The moderator should know the procedure for a breach Have at least one moderator, as well as grievance

officers Use effective trigger warnings– will discuss in more detail

later Safe spaces does not mean you have to stifle free

speech, or discussion of certain issues, it just means you need to make spaces safe, and give people informed knowledge before they consent to participating

Avoid certain language, unless a trigger warning is in place i.e. say “sexual violence/assault” not “rape” Avoid extremely derogatory terms, even when quoting

another person. Instead say “the ‘n’ word” or “derogatory term for gay person”, etc

It’s all about consent! As an anarchist, I centre my life around not forcing

choices onto to others – this includes not asking people to speak and letting them self-identify

Some people are extremely uncomfortable talking in public, but they may still want to contribute, so consider having contributions to a discussion written down on paper during a forum, as well as taking feedback in person

Big groups can also be broken down into smaller group discussions, which can make it easier for some people to contribute

Use the gender pronouns that that person chooses. If you don’t know, refer to them by their name or use gender neutral pronouns such as “they”

Empowering groups of people Ideally, if the session concern a certain group,

the moderator and speakers should be from that group, or at least have experience working with that group

If the topic concerns a particular group of people i.e. people of colour, consider first asking for any contributions from people of that group, to allow them to have ownership of their space

If certain people or groups are dominating discussion, ask for others to contribute

Having your own space Consider the use of womyn-only forums, survivors-only

forums, etc if this seems appropriate in some cases Sometimes people need to speak freely without fear of

an oppressor, or the risk of offending others outside the group

Men, heterosexuals, white people and others that might be excluded from such discussions, should recognise that some people need a place to feel safe and talk freely

Womyn who are survivors of sexual violence, for example, may have a fear of all men – even men who see themselves as feminist allies

So don’t be offended if you are excluded - sometimes it is #allmen!

Be aware of yourself Men - avoid dominating discussion or talking over women Young people and elderly people are often ignored, so

pay close attention to how you interact with them Western people need to be extremely sensitive to people

of other cultural backgrounds – especially in regards to that culture’s use of animals

Avoid getting caught up in “white guilt” or going out of your way to emphasise your own privilege – acknowledge it, but ultimately leave it to that group to claim the space and discussion

As Dr Cornell West said, “It’s not always about you white people!”. The same applies to cis-gender people, men, heterosexuals, etc

What are triggering topics? There is no definitive list, but it includes a

discussion of, or showing images of: Violence – domestic, physical, sexual, emotional Hate and discrimination on the basis of gender

identity, ethnic group, sexuality, disability, or any other identity

Abortion – especially anti-choice views Death, self-harm, suicide, miscarriages Any other issue related to trauma – car collision,

war, natural disasters, burglary, workplace bullying

Effective trigger warnings Trigger warnings must be effective This means they:

mention the likely triggering topic, as well as whether there will be a graphic discussion or images;

precede the discussion; and give people the chance to avoid the session, or at least

time to leave the room - check they have left before starting

If the conversation shifts to new triggering topics, the moderator, or any person, can raise a new warning

If you think you may be triggered, sitting near the back can make you feel more comfortable leaving

Bringing a book, or leaving with a friend can make it easier After the session, be careful about talking about triggering

topics in front of others who might have been upset about it

I don’t have a disability, what can I do? Mental health first aid course Be sensitive: disability treatment might not fit with progressive

views: Medication tested on animals Cultural appropriation with mindfulness meditation Use of guide dogs

Read the facts – Beyond Blue website Encourage people to seek help – online, via a book, crisis line or

GP Most people who get help do so because someone urged them to If your loved one is in a life-threatening situation, consider

contacting: Mental health emergency response team in your state/territory A crisis helpline such as Beyond Blue or Lifeline The police (especially where they may be a risk to others)

Making adjustments to working arrangements All these suggestions can be adapted to

apply to a working or volunteering arrangement

People with disabilities have a right to request reasonable adjustments and to negotiate them with their employer

For more information, see the website of the Australian Human Rights Commission

Conclusion Be aware of your language Create safe spaces Educate yourself about what it is like to

have a disability or experience trauma Let the oppressed group speak for

themselves, and have their own space

Resources Safe Spaces: advocatesforyouth.org Avoiding ableist language:

autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html

Mental health: beyondblue.org.au Concerned about discrimination?

humanrights.gov.au

Feeling depressed or concerned about someone? Lifeline

24/7 Crisis Line 13 11 14 Online chat 7pm - 4am (AEST) 7 days

Beyond blue 24/7 Phone 1300 22 4636 Web chat 3pm -12am (AEST) 7 days

Questions? Comments?