I have arrived and I am Thankful

[smallchump]

Hello everyone,

I'm conflicted about feeling joy that this site exists, but i am happy to have found you all. You can refer to me as Chump. I am here because I know I have been denying myself by avoiding seeking support outside of therapy,  but I have known for a while that I need it. This pain and weight has been affecting ever fiber of my being and I am struggling to figure out who I am in the aftermath. I'm a survivor of sexual assault and rape and I really have not been able to open up much about it, even in therapy now that I realize it. I hope being here will help me and others feel seen and heard as much as we all deserve to be. Thank you for holding space for me.

[forestmistheather]

Hi Chump

Welcome to AS.  I'm sorry about things that have brought you here, but hopefully you'll find support and new friends here on AS.  I understand why you feel conflicted about feeling happy re. finding AS.  I can remember feeling (and still do) both happy and sad at the same time.  But I am glad that you found us.

Forest x

[MeBeMary]

Hi Chump,

Welcome to AfterSilence. I am very sorry about the traumas you have endured. Nobody had the right to hurt you. You have found a safe and supportive place where you can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. It's not easy speaking out, but this community is a place many of us found that footing to do so. We understand one another here, which I know is unfortunate, as well as fortunate. I personally find it easier speaking with other who can relate.

Take a look around and when you are ready, we are here for you. I wish you the very best as you continue this journey we call healing.

Mary

 

[WannaMoveOn]

6 hours ago, smallchump said:

Hello everyone,

I'm conflicted about feeling joy that this site exists, but i am happy to have found you all. You can refer to me as Chump. I am here because I know I have been denying myself by avoiding seeking support outside of therapy,  but I have known for a while that I need it. This pain and weight has been affecting ever fiber of my being and I am struggling to figure out who I am in the aftermath. I'm a survivor of sexual assault and rape and I really have not been able to open up much about it, even in therapy now that I realize it. I hope being here will help me and others feel seen and heard as much as we all deserve to be. Thank you for holding space for me.

Hello Chump! I am Wanna

I am truly and deeply sorry for your trauma and pain. 

Professional help and a community can complete another in multiple ways in your support system. Sometimes it might feel easier to open up to a therapist first, others you'd like to discuss with fellow survivors. Good thing, you found us! I am for one happy too that After Silence exists, to assist survivors and create this invaluable network  

You can come here during good, bad and neutral days. You can post about anything. I know, finding your true self during healing is a complex process, but we are here to support another. 

You can PM me any time! 

  

All best and my warmest welcomes, 

- Wanna ☀️

 

[missfrier]

Dear chump

 

I am sorry for all that you have been through.   You have been so brave in reaching out to us, please know that this is never easy!   We are all here for you and we want to support you.  You're not alone in your healing journey and are always welcome to lean on us for extra support.  You can post as much or as little as you like.  We are here to support you in the way you need.  I have found this community to be very helpful.  Everyone is so understanding and non-judgmental and I am hoping you feel the same way once you've gotten to know us a little.   

 

All my best,

missfrier

 

 

[Sobieski]

Thankful to be here as well...nice to meet you all...

[8888]

Welcome @smallchump 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.  Take your time exploring and post when you are ready.  If you have any questions feel free to message me. 

[Vinsami]

I’ve had a similar experience in therapy. I still can’t name what happened to me. But this forum already feels like a monumental step. I don’t think we should feel bad about feeling joy in finding this community. We’ve all been suffering in silence at one point or another, and to find others who get it is a blessing. I’m happy you’re here 🙂