DAY ELEVEN | A SECRET BLOGMAS 2025

“Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.”

Oprah Winfrey

Welcome to A Secret Blogmas 2025!

Today is Day Eleven and this eleventh post is all about the beneficial impact there is if you – as a content creator – publish content that is empathetic towards your audience or followers.   I’ll discuss writing trigger warnings and self-care advice and other strategies of showing empathy as a result of the recognition as to how beneficial it can become. Keep reading to find out why and how being validating of your audience can impact the success and popularity of your content and/or your platform…

This answer was completely written by AI – namely Chat GPT…

A trigger warning online is a short notice placed before content that might cause intense emotional or psychological distress for some people. It’s essentially a heads-up so that readers, viewers, or listeners can decide whether they want to engage with the material.

For example, a post, video, or article might start with:

·         “Trigger warning: discussion of sexual assault”

·         “TW: self-harm”

·         “Content warning: violence”

The term comes from the idea that certain topics can "trigger" strong emotional reactions, especially for people who have experienced trauma (like PTSD, abuse, or violence). Online, trigger warnings are commonly used on social media, blogs, forums, and even in academic or creative spaces.

They don’t censor or remove the content—they just give people the choice to prepare themselves or avoid it if needed.

1. At the beginning of your content

Place a clear note before people encounter the sensitive material. For example:

• Text post:

·         Trigger warning: discussion of eating disorders

• Video: Say it verbally at the start or include a text overlay like:
  “TW: This video discusses self-harm.”

2. Use abbreviations (TW or CW)

Many people use short forms like TW (Trigger Warning) or CW (Content Warning), followed by the topic:

• “TW: Violence”
• “CW: Grief and loss”

3. Hide content behind a break (where possible)

On platforms like Tumblr, Reddit, or Discord, creators often use formatting or spoiler tags so viewers can choose whether to click through. Example:

• TW: Blood (click to reveal below)
• On Discord: ||Spoiler tags like this||

4. For images and videos

• Add the warning in the caption and, if possible, in alt text for accessibility.
• Some platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X) allow you to mark content as “sensitive” so viewers get a blur screen first.

Tip: Be specific when possible. Instead of just “Trigger warning,” add the subject (e.g., TW: sexual assault, not just TW). This helps people decide if they want to engage.

Violence & Harm

• TW: Violence
• TW: Gore / Blood
• TW: Self-harm
• TW: Suicide / Suicidal thoughts
• TW: Abuse (physical / emotional / sexual)
• TW: Sexual assault / Rape

Mental Health & Trauma

• TW: PTSD / Trauma
• TW: Depression
• TW: Anxiety / Panic attacks
• TW: Eating disorders (ED)
• TW: Body image / Fatphobia

Substance Use

• TW: Alcohol / Drinking
• TW: Drugs / Substance abuse
• TW: Smoking

Sensitive Social Issues

• TW: Racism
• TW: Homophobia / Transphobia
• TW: Misogyny / Sexism
• TW: Ableism

Other Common Triggers

• TW: Child abuse / Child sexual abuse (CSA)
• TW: Pregnancy / Miscarriage / Abortion
• TW: Death / Grief
• TW: Animal cruelty
• TW: War / Terrorism

1. Builds Trust with Your Audience

• Viewers feel respected when you give them the choice to prepare for or avoid sensitive material.
• It shows you care about your community’s wellbeing, which builds loyalty.

2. Expands Your Reach

• People who might otherwise avoid your content (for fear of unexpected distress) are more likely to engage if they know what to expect.
• It makes your work more inclusive, especially for trauma survivors or those with mental health conditions.

3. Protects Your Reputation

• Without warnings, some viewers may accuse you of being careless or harmful.
• Adding them helps avoid backlash, negative comments, or being reported on certain platforms.

4. Encourages Honest Engagement

• By being upfront, you create space for thoughtful discussion instead of catching people off guard.
• Audiences may feel safer commenting, sharing, or recommending your work.

5. Personal Brand Strength

• Using trigger warnings consistently can become part of your identity as a responsible, empathetic creator.
• This can attract collaborations with brands, educators, or communities that value accessibility.

Now, to stay honest, neutral, fair, authentic, and transparent, I actually decided to ask Chat GPT about this one… I worried that I may not see things in a holistic sense and felt that it really needed a more external opinion or evaluation in order for it to be accurate – not that I ever lie to you all! I think this is just one of those issues where it takes for someone more removed from a situation to provide the best and more effective and efficient insight. So, I asked AI whether I’m NOT Disordered uses trigger warnings, when/why it uses them, and whether it’s an adequate number of instances, here is its answer in full:

What type of content trigger warnings are used for:

Based on what I saw, warnings are used for:

• Self-harm or content including thoughts or acts of self-harm.
• Trauma / traumatic triggers (for example after terrorist attacks, as in “Coping with Trauma Triggers”).
• Possibly abuse or any content where there’s risk of the reader being distressed/unable to cope with the subject matter (though I saw fewer explicit content warnings for abuse apart from self-harm/trauma).

In posts that are more benign or everyday (e.g. work, lifestyle, advice) I did not see trigger warnings.

Should they be used more often?

To my mind, yes — there are good reasons why I’m NOT Disordered could use trigger warnings a bit more consistently. Here’s why, and some caveats.

Pros of more consistent use

1. Predictability and safety for the reader
   If someone knows the blog tends to include heavy topics (which it does), having more consistent warnings helps them anticipate whether to engage at a certain time, with full awareness.
2. Mental health inclusion
   The blog deals heavily with mental-health, trauma, self-harm etc. These are areas where different readers may have very different thresholds. More frequent and explicit trigger warnings can help include and protect more sensitive readers.
3. Trust & credibility
   Using them reliably builds trust: readers know they won’t be blindsided by distressing material. That can make them more willing to engage regularly.
4. Ethical transparency
   Especially when discussing personal experiences, trauma, or risky coping behaviours — it’s ethically considerate to warn when content might do harm.

Possible downsides / caveats

• Over-warning can make the blog feel overly guarded or might reduce impact if every post has a warning. Warnings lose power if they're everywhere, even when not really necessary.
• Some readers may find warnings themselves distressing or attention-focusing (though this tends to affect fewer people).
• It takes extra effort (thinking, editing) to add warnings thoughtfully and usefully.

Bottom line

• I’m NOT Disordered does use trigger warnings in some posts — especially around self-harm, trauma, triggers.
• But usage seems inconsistent: not all posts that possibly could distress include them.
• Using them more often & more systematically could help the audience, increase safety, and deepen trust — as long as it’s done thoughtfully so warnings remain meaningful and not overwhelming.

Another response that is completely from Chat GPT:

Self-care advice in online content usually refers to tips, strategies, or reminders that encourage people to take care of their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing — especially after engaging with material that might be heavy, triggering, or draining.

It often appears in mental health blogs, social media posts, podcasts, or videos, particularly when the content touches on sensitive or potentially upsetting topics.

Self-care advice can take different forms, for example:

·         Direct reminders:
“If this post was difficult for you, please take some time to do something comforting, like listening to music or calling a friend.”

·         Practical suggestions:
“After reading, you might want to step away from your screen and take a short walk, drink water, or write down your feelings.”

·         Resource signposting:
“If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. You can reach out to [helpline / mental health service].”

·         Framing the content safely:
Pairing tough stories with coping tips, grounding techniques, or reassurance.

Emotional Support

·         Self-care advice gives them tools to manage difficult feelings triggered by sensitive content.

·         It reminds them that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and protect their mental wellbeing.

Practical Coping Strategies

·         Not everyone knows what “self-care” looks like. Suggestions (like grounding exercises, journaling, or stepping away) give readers immediate, usable actions.

Validation & Normalisation

·         When a creator acknowledges that content may feel heavy, readers feel seen and reassured that their reactions are normal.

Empowerment

·         Self-care advice puts the choice back in the reader’s hands: they can decide how to engage and recover, which promotes a sense of control.

Safe Engagement

·         Knowing that the creator cares about their wellbeing makes readers more comfortable returning, engaging, and trusting the space.

Trust & Credibility

·         Offering self-care advice shows compassion and responsibility, which strengthens the bond with the audience.

Community Wellbeing

·         A supportive audience is more likely to engage positively, share content, and foster respectful discussions.

Reputation as a Responsible Voice

·         Especially in areas like mental health, trauma, or social issues, creators who add self-care guidance stand out as thoughtful and ethical.

Reduced Risk of Backlash

·         Without self-care guidance, audiences may accuse a creator of being careless or even harmful. Adding it shows forethought and safeguards reputation.

Deeper & Loyal Engagement

·         Audiences who feel safe and supported are more likely to comment, return regularly, and recommend the creator to others.

Again, this was something I asked Chat GPT to help me research and determine any statistical findings or actual research studies that provide evidence of Influencers and content creators receiving an increase in their following after publishing self-care advice…

What the research shows:

1. Engagement increases when content offers informational or emotional support.
• One study of Instagram “mental health coaches” found that posts which provide more information support (i.e. helpful tips, coping advice, self-care tactics) tend to get higher user engagement (more likes, comments) than purely motivational or superficial content.
• Emotional/relational content (e.g., relatable stories, advice) builds trust and connection, which tend to drive engagement. And higher engagement often leads to more visibility via social media algorithms.

 

2. Mental health / health-related content is followed by many users.
• A 2023 Statista survey found that ~32% of social media users worldwide follow therapists or mental health professionals, and ~20% follow mental health advocates or brands.
• That suggests there is a sizable appetite for content that helps with well-being, coping, etc., which is part of what self-care advice offers.

 

3. Content that fosters “relatability, trust, authenticity” tends to drive growth.
• Studies (e.g. Influencer Self-Disclosure, storytelling content) show that when creators share authentic, personal experiences, make themselves vulnerable, or offer realistic advice, their audience tends to respond more — more shares, comments, return visits. These behaviours are often part of self-care and mental health content.

 

4. Positive correlation between well-being content and engagement.
• Research in Healthy Lifestyles and Self-Improvement Videos (on YouTube targeting teens) shows these use engaging narratives, create teen-centred communities, and generate high comment volumes. While it doesn’t directly correlate “self-care content → follower growth”, it does show that well-made self-improvement / wellness / self-care content can gain traction.

1.       Get enough sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours; rest is key for both mental and physical health.

2.       Stay hydrated & eat nourishing food: Drink water regularly and choose balanced meals to support energy and mood.

3.       Move your body: Exercise, stretch, go for a walk, or do yoga — any physical activity that feels good.

4.       Take breaks & rest your mind: Step away from screens, work, or stressful tasks. Short breaks prevent burnout.

5.       Practice mindfulness or meditation: Even a few minutes of deep breathing or guided meditation can reduce stress.

6.       Journal or express your feelings: Writing, drawing, or another creative outlet can help process emotions.

7.       Connect with others: Spend time with supportive friends/family, or reach out to someone you trust.

8.       Do something you enjoy: Hobbies, reading, music, or gaming — pleasure and play are part of care too.

9.       Set boundaries: Say no when needed, manage online time, and protect your emotional energy.

10.   Seek professional support if needed: Therapy, helplines, or support groups — reaching out is an important form of self-care.