Nothing feels real

@creative_writer you are getting better! Setbacks do not undo progress. Recovery is never linear, and the return of the flashbacks does not mean you are back to square one. It makes sense you are feeling off-kilter, and normal to feel a sense of frustration at how this is affecting you. There is nothing to be ashamed of, you are experiencing a very normal pathway through healing. You're not alone in experiencing this kind of thing.

Being vulnerable is super hard when you've been through such traumas. It literally puts our survival system on high alert. Take it slow, little bit at a time, and the more you open up, the easier it gets. Sitting with discomfort and anxiety is always challenging, but it's a skill that can be practiced and eventually mastered. We never stop experiencing anxiety, but we get better at knowing how to endure, and not become overtaken by it.

You will be okay, I feel it in me bones. Sending you some hugs, friend 💜

@creative_writer I think shame is probably one of the most common responses to SA that I've seen. Probably cos, like you say, it is culturally such a taboo topic and there's still so much stigma around being able to be open about it. You did nothing to bring this on yourself, you did nothing to deserve what you went through, and you deserve to be able to talk about it without being shut down. And most of all, you deserve a life of peace and contentment.

Maybe you do need to do some of that work again... but think of it like this: in learning a new skill, repetition is key. This time around, the work will likely be easier. Take less time and energy. And you'll get better at it, so that if you get sideswiped by these feelings/flashbacks again in the future, you'll be even better equipped to cope.

I'm off for tonight, I hope that tomorrow is a lil easier on you hun. Thanks for being open with me, I'll catch you again soon 💜

hi @creative_writer just stopping by to see how you are going.

Hoping today is a little better for you

Is there something you can do for yourself tonight @creative_writer or do you just need to rest?

Sometimes we just need to take time out for ourselves, especially if you've had such a stressful day.

Hey @creative_writer ,

Sounds so hard. Are you sick?

I've got a lot of people with COVID around me.

Please take care. I hear how much your emotional pain is affecting you.