Newbie searching for healing

[Trying2MoveOn]

Hi, I am a 23 yr old from S.C. I'm a survivor, trying to survive and thrive again. I don't know if this is normal, but I thought I had "dealt with" my trauma but lately (a few years later), things have been triggering me and bringing it back. I have more anxiety today than I did 6 Mos after. Am I stupid and abnormal?

[ActivistAlly]

Hi @Trying2MoveOn 

You are not stupid or abnormal.  The trauma you went through was abnormal and how you are responding is totally understandable and okay.  For myself one of the huge traumas that I went through did not resurface until I was in my late 40s and I've come to realize we are not alone in a delayed response.  That is why the "post" is in post traumatic stress disorder, it was too much to deal with at the time we suffered it.  I'm really glad you are trying to survive and thrive again!!!  

I'm so sorry you went through something so traumatic to seek us out but I'm glad you've found us!  I hope that AfterSilence (AS) will be a great help to you and that you will find comfort and support from our members as you journey towards healing.  I hope you will feel that we of the AS community will be there every step of the way with you. 

ActivistAlly

[systemsb]

@trying to move onYour not stupid or abnormal. Trauma seems to sneak up on us at times with the flashbacks and depression. You are 23 facing this head on you are brave! Sitting with you.

[Capulet]

Hello @Trying2MoveOn, welcome to AS. I echo ActivistAlly’s post and agree you are reacting normally given the circumstances.  Healing looks different for us all but it is extremely common to have delayed reactions to trauma.  I myself did not begin to deal with things until many years later.

Wishing you all the best as you navigate our community - glad you are here and hope that being here is comforting! 

 

[MeBeMary]

On 2/12/2025 at 11:56 AM, Trying2MoveOn said:

Hi, I am a 23 yr old from S.C. I'm a survivor, trying to survive and thrive again. I don't know if this is normal, but I thought I had "dealt with" my trauma but lately (a few years later), things have been triggering me and bringing it back. I have more anxiety today than I did 6 Mos after. Am I stupid and abnormal?

Hi there Trying. Welcome to the community!

I am sorry for what you've been thru and the struggles you still face. It's not unusual at all. Healing is kind of a web and flow type thing. We try to learn to manage the struggles and work for more better days than bad. It can seem very frustrating during the bad days but do know that good days can come again. Just like in your username...keep trying! 

Feel free to look around and know that we are here for you. Wishing you the best as you continue this journey we call healing. 

Mary

[awi]

@tryingtomoveon Hi welcome to this safe place. Your feelings are very normal. Someone once told me they were normal feelings from the effects and memories of non normal events. You are young and have a life ahead of you that starts now and every day.  Make a plan of what you want your life to be like and live that plan.  You have made the most difficult step in healing and that is the start of it.  Keeping you company on this part of your healing journey. No one is doubting nor second guessing nor judging here.

Edited February 18 by awi