We need to stop calling every sad story 'trauma'.
By @tessyy · Unpopular Opinion
The word has lost all meaning. People are using it for everything from getting a bad grade in school to their favorite character being killed off a TV show, and it's starting to get on my nerves.
The full story
I'm probably going to get cooked for this, but someone has to say it. The way people casually throw around the word 'trauma' online and in real life has completely diluted its meaning. It used to refer to a deeply disturbing or life-threatening event. Now, it seems like any negative experience qualifies. My cousin, who is 22, was just telling me she was 'traumatized' because her favorite coffee shop was out of oat milk. I've seen people on social media claim they have trauma from watching a sad movie, from getting ghosted after three dates, or from having an awkward conversation with their boss. My own sister said she was traumatized by a scene in a PG-13 superhero movie. Are you kidding me? Real trauma is something that shatters your sense of safety and fundamentally alters your worldview. It's abuse, it's a life-altering accident, it's combat, it's a profound loss. It's not minor inconveniences or everyday disappointments. When we use 'trauma' to describe getting a bad haircut or a rude comment online, we're doing a massive disservice to people who have actually survived horrific experiences. It makes it harder for people with genuine, life-altering PTSD to be taken seriously. Their experiences are now lumped in with someone who is just having a bad day. It's a form of emotional inflation, and it's not helpful for anyone. It feels like a way for people to demand a certain level of sympathy or special treatment for things that are just a normal part of life. We all have bad experiences; that doesn't make all of them 'trauma.'
How people voted
- Valid Take — 29% (42 votes)
- I’m Torn — 41% (59 votes)
- Bad Take — 30% (44 votes)
Readers say “I’m Torn” (41%) — 145 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@niaee — Language evolves though, doesn't it? Maybe we don't get to decide what the word means for other people.
@sashafr — soft.
@xenatbh — Absolutely agree! You're so right, it really does a disservice to people who have been through genuine hardship. Thanks for saying it.
@jaredliterally — My 19 year old roommate told me she was traumatized because I ate the last of the Takis. I can't with this generation lol
@jaredlol — thoughts and prayers for the oat milk girl. a true survivor.
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