Sexual assult and trauma

[Kyle159]

When I was 17 I was sexually assulted by a person that I knew and I gave up my housing because of it and I was in and out of youth refuges for two or more years I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD and some other illnesses, A couple years on and I am still trying to live through the trauma I struggle trying to sleep because of the nightmares and the flashbacks I struggle to keep taking my medication because I think that the medication only makes matters worst I’d rather stay inside all day then to go out and socialise with my family and I really struggle with trying to keep a relationship but I haven’t given up even know some days are worst than others I’m still here and I’m still trying to work though my struggles with my trauma

[monkey_magic]

Hi Kyle159,

It was courageous of you to open up. You're a surviver even through your struggles. A lot of trauma victims experience what you are experiencing & I used to be one of them. It must be difficult & well done getting through it as it can't be easy. There's a lot of supportive, understanding and caring people on this forums that care about your life, what your struggling with & would love to see things improve for you. I really hope it all gets better.

Feel free to write some more if you feel comfortable. And happy easter 🙂

[KayS86]

Dear Kyle159,

I am so very sorry that this happened to you, it is so unfair and painful especially when it is committed by someone you know, because often it means you trust them. I too can resonate with all the things that you have so bravely shared, with my PTSD it is something i still struggle with, I do not have a clear solution but I do know that this forum has begun helping me. I check in, even if it is to read other people's stories, i check in. It makes me feel less alone and I can come on at all hours of the night when I am awoken by flashbacks and nightmares.

I too struggle with socialising and feeling connected to anyone, but I can guarantee almost everyone here has a place in their heart that will completely resonate with your struggles, you are not a victim you are a survivor, I remember someone telling me that once, it takes the power away from the perpetrator and it gives some back to you.

Think about how much strength it takes to just keep moving through the darkness, you are a warrior. Give yourself patience and love, become your own bestfriend.

I know that a lot of what happens to us is not in our control but if you take little steps to ensure you are practicing self care it really does help to ground you in a little bit of safety. I have a routine I begin when i am having a panic attack or a PTSD flashback, I plant my feet on the ground, i describe the feeling of the floor/carpet I narrate and describe the smells the sounds I can hear, the things that fill up my room. I tell myself I am safe now because I am here, not there. I have a pillow i squeeze against my chest and I feel less vulnerable.

I hope some of these things can help and if they don't please come back here, we are all so ready to be your support and want you to know you do have a safe place here if at the very least.

take care of yourself, you are worthy of it

Kay