TW: it feels like I'm drowning

Hey @creative_writer, the one thing I want to say is probably something we all need to hear, and that is – don't be so hard on yourself. You are wading through the undercurrent of the thing/things that were done to you in your past and you're trying to live your life whilst processing that trauma. That isn't what I'd call a walk in the park, would you agree?

I'm not sure where you're at in your recovery process but one thing we know is that these things usually aren't linear. It's not like a broken leg that after 12 weeks you can kick a ball or ride a bike again. Some weeks we're kicking all the goals, then some weeks we're on the couch in tears. All of this is just as it should be, and time whilst it can feel like the enemy, can actually be a healer.

As for social norms, yes they're implicitly woven in to certain social settings, but I tend to feel that so long as we are true to ourselves and carry within us our own sense of dignity and pride, as well as respect for others, I think we're all free to be. Our stories are what make us, though can feel like they sometimes break us, ultimately sharing stories like you have here today is what unites us.

One thing is for certain, we see you, we hear you, we believe you. There is never any pressure here to be "positive" for the sake of it. You are safe and free to express all parts of you.

If you feel that the uni content has triggered you this week, go gently with it and yourself. It will be there when you're ready to engage with the content again. Your migraine just might thank you for it 😉

Rhye ☘️

Beautifully analogy @creative_writer. Waves, some big and some small, but just like the ocean it's ever changing.

The isolation that comes along with healing from trauma can feel quite profound. Couple that with families of origin being somewhat tricky at times, which is why I believe we're so lucky to have forums like this to share our stories and to foster a sense of belonging.

I hope the next few days, or even moments, are filled with even a small sense of community, and that you're able to acknowledge the immense work you've done to get to where you are today 💙

Complex emotions and thoughts can be so overwhelming @creative_writer It is hard to unpack them or see them as a linear train when the fog is keeping them all muddled up. A lack of sleep just exacerbates them and we find ourselves feeling even worse as a result. If you need more sleep then do so - our minds and bodies cannot function properly with a lack of sleep nor can we handle the usual day to day let alone all those added emotions without sleep.

At any age experiencing trauma is difficult but when you are starting to build your own identity and that sense of self worth is taken away, it becomes even harder to overcome @creative_writer It does take time to get any of that back but work on the little things you can control right now. You are coming out the other side doing something you want to do, you are reaching out for support which takes incredible courage, and you are obviously very insightful into what you need yourself so half the battle is won. Keep pushing forward little by little, keep finding those things about you that you love yourself, and above all - do not let anyone make you feel less worthy, less important or less valuable in this world. Keep that hope alive, keep doing the work you need, keep listening to your body and mind and do what you need each day to get through and/or thrive. It may seem a long road at present but at least you are on that road. I have faith in you 💗

@creative_writer 💗