*possible TW* new to this

[cottoncandysky]

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is doing well in this strange time in history (pandemic and national BLM uprising!)

I am new to After Silence. I am also new to the healing process. I am not sure how to go about this, but from what I have seen, AS is a great community where I will hopefully find support among fellow survivors. I am a college student studying history. I love to read and write, especially about politics. I hope that I can incorporate writing and reading into my healing process (I've heard that Body Keeps the Score is a good book. Any thoughts on this?)

Anyways, I am here in quarantine with my family, and all this time alone has forced me to think. Memories flooded back and I finally came to the epiphany/reckoning with my sexual assault(s) which happened three years ago. I am now starting my healing process because these past three years I have simply been in denial and constantly burying my trauma under layers of justifications and refusals to acknowledge the truth. 

Thank god that forums like this exist! I am excited to conversate with all of you:) 

[missfrier]

2 minutes ago, cottoncandysky said:

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is doing well in this strange time in history (pandemic and national BLM uprising!)

I am new to After Silence. I am also new to the healing process. I am not sure how to go about this, but from what I have seen, AS is a great community where I will hopefully find support among fellow survivors. I am a college student studying history. I love to read and write, especially about politics. I hope that I can incorporate writing and reading into my healing process (I've heard that Body Keeps the Score is a good book. Any thoughts on this?)

Anyways, I am here in quarantine with my family, and all this time alone has forced me to think. Memories flooded back and I finally came to the epiphany/reckoning with my sexual assault(s) which happened three years ago. I am now starting my healing process because these past three years I have simply been in denial and constantly burying my trauma under layers of justifications and refusals to acknowledge the truth. 

Thank god that forums like this exist! I am excited to conversate with all of you:) 

Dear cottoncandysky

I would like to welcome you to After Silence's forums.  We are all here for you and want to support you in any way we can. I know that posting for the first time can be scary.  Please don't worry, though; you will always be given so much support from our lovely community and its members.  You're not alone - we are with you.

You will soon receive an official welcome message in your inbox.  Please feel free to respond to that PM if you have any questions about the forum or if you need some help finding your way around the site. 

Take care and keep reaching out!! 

 

[MeBeMary]

Hi cottoncandysky,

Welcome to AfterSilence. I am very sorry for the trauma you endured 3 years ago, but do know you will find support here. Our members are truly understanding and kind. I do think many of us go thru denial at one point or another, but sadly the struggles are not always as deniable. I am glad that you feel in the proper spot to face what you think you need to, in order to start healing. It's never an easy road, but with time and a fighting spirit, things can and will get better. This is something every one of us wants and deserves...you deserve it too.

With your interests in politics, you might be interested in the forum: My World is on Fire. Topics are more on a newsy, world or community events and less on your specific struggles...tho, obviously some subject matter may bring out your specific emotions on what is being discussed. We have many regulars who share and comment in this section, if you would like to give it a look.

I am glad that you have decided to join our community. Reaching out is a big step, and I do hope it is one of many you walk down this path of healing.

Mary

 

 

[8888]

Welcome @cottoncandysky to After Silence.  I’m sorry for what brought you here but I’m happy you are here reaching out for support.  Good job taking this step in your healing process.  You are not alone and what happened to you wasn’t your fault.  Speaking from experience writing has certainly helped me.  Also my therapist recommended The Body Keeps the Score but I haven't read it yet.  Take your time exploring here and post when you are ready.  If you have any questions feel free to message me.