In this video I sit down with Angela Wang for a really heavy but necessary conversation about PTSD after sexual assault, and what people mean (and don’t mean) when they say they’re “triggered.” Angela shares what it’s like when a trigger doesn’t just bring up a bad memory—it can drop you right back into the moment, like your brain genuinely thinks you’re in danger again. We talk about fight/flight/freeze, going numb, and how random everyday stuff—walking down the street, certain words, certain situations—can flip that switch without warning. A big theme here is how casually people throw around words like “triggered” and “trauma,” and how that makes it harder for survivors to be taken seriously. I also talk about the NYC-life side of it: being out with friends, moving through crowded streets, trying to live normal life while your body is on high alert. We get into what actually helps when someone is triggered—taking it seriously, offering reassurance, giving them control, and not forcing them to explain their whole story just to be believed. This is informational only, not medical advice—please talk to a licensed mental health professional if you need help.