First time here- looking for support

[Healing.E]

Hi everyone, I’m Ella, 21 years old from the US. I survived 4 assaults 7.5 years ago at age 14 when I was in an inpatient eating disorder facility. I didn’t tell anyone for two years after it happened. After that, the re-traumatizing began and I have only very recently started to process what happened to me. I am still in eating disorder treatment and have been in and out of higher level of care for 8 years, and I now realize I have to deal with the trauma in order to heal. My therapist told me to look into online groups, because I feel really alone. Hoping I can find some support in connection with other survivors here, since I don’t have anyone in my life who remotely understands what I’ve been through.

 

I will share a bit about me, I am a nursing student and deal with multiple chronic illnesses. I have a medical alert service dog golden retriever, and she’s the best. I really like all things Disney, and I have a crochet business where I make crochet stuffed animals and sell at local markets. I have an adopted younger sister who has extensive issues, so my parents are emotionally unavailable for me. My current hyper fixations are The Hunger Games and any sea creatures, especially whales (blue whales). 
 

Glad I am here

[patriciag]

Welcome to AS, you will find support here. I like the Hunger Games too.

[Finchy]

Welcome to AS! I'm so sorry for what you've experienced...but you will find a lot of kind people who can relate and support you here. You're not alone. I wish you all the best on your healing journey.  (Whales are cool!!)

-Finchy

[awi]

@Healing.E So glad you found us friend.  Welcome to this safe and healing place.  So sorry what you have had to endure.  Really glad you have a therapist to help you on your healing journey.  I know what it is like to have parents that aren't available. Mine were ill and needed things all the time.  Plus there were ill people from time besides them.  I turned into the caregiver of everyone in my home and extended family for lots of years.  I also love Golden Retrievers that are I feel Labrador Retrievers with long hair.  

Keeping you company during this part of your journey

[Flowerheal]

Welcome to the forum and glad your therapist suggested to look around. 
 

 

[WannaMoveOn]

On 2/26/2026 at 6:49 AM, Healing.E said:

Hi everyone, I’m Ella, 21 years old from the US. I survived 4 assaults 7.5 years ago at age 14 when I was in an inpatient eating disorder facility. I didn’t tell anyone for two years after it happened. After that, the re-traumatizing began and I have only very recently started to process what happened to me. I am still in eating disorder treatment and have been in and out of higher level of care for 8 years, and I now realize I have to deal with the trauma in order to heal. My therapist told me to look into online groups, because I feel really alone. Hoping I can find some support in connection with other survivors here, since I don’t have anyone in my life who remotely understands what I’ve been through.

 

I will share a bit about me, I am a nursing student and deal with multiple chronic illnesses. I have a medical alert service dog golden retriever, and she’s the best. I really like all things Disney, and I have a crochet business where I make crochet stuffed animals and sell at local markets. I have an adopted younger sister who has extensive issues, so my parents are emotionally unavailable for me. My current hyper fixations are The Hunger Games and any sea creatures, especially whales (blue whales). 
 

Glad I am here

Hello and welcome to our community! 

I am a bit late in the welcome wagon, but thought I'd just hop on and wish you the best of luck on your healing journey. I hope AS will offer you what you need in a community, as I believe every survivor benefits from a support system with fellow survivors. 

Your dog sounds adorable!  I actually almost went to nursing school myself, but decided to go into teaching instead. However, I did work as a caretaker part time and found it very rewarding. I am currently a student too, so if you'd need some study tips while coping with trauma, you can always PM me. Overall, I am here for you if you'd need assistance, would have questions or need a little chat.

You seem like someone with many hobbies. I myself enjoy running, choir practice and reading. 

Please let me know if I can be at any help. So long, take care! 

W