Running

Ach, makes sense @avant-garde but still sucks.

Just looked up the series - fantasy/young adult? Fantasy is definitely my fav literary genre!

@Jynx

It leaves me feeling weak and fragile, my strength will return though, just need to be gentle and patient

yes, up to the second book, cursed crowns, really enjoying it

@avant-garde a gentle hug for you dear, may it be a comfort whilst you recover.

(づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ♡

Oooh sounds good! Is it romance heavy? I don't mind a little, but I have to be in the mood for it if there's a lot of super romantic stuff. Like I love the book series Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (highly recommend except that in book 2 there is a scene of a near miss sexual assault so fair trigger warning), cos like the romance is a big part of the plot so it never felt like the romance was being crammed in just as audience bait, if that makes sense.

@Jynx

I wish I didn't feel so alone in this journey through the darkness... I wish I could have someone near me to just be that physical presence I could really actually do with... peer support will help next week... they get it and they can hug me as I cry...

The thing I want most after these kinds of therapy sessions is actually just someone to hug me...

It's not romance heavy like some of the series in the past I've listened to, like Firebird Chronicles by T.A. White which I wish had a trigger warning due to the sexually explicit descriptions from book 2 onwards. This series has a pleasant modesty about it was the twins aren't married yet, it's more about uniting the kingdoms and magic, though now it's going into dark magic, and I have no doubt that it's why the particular genre of memories encroached earlier.

Soooo legit @avant-garde - touch starvation is something I was intimately familiar with before I met my first partner.

It is a human need to be touched. You deserve all the hugs!! I'm sooo glad that you've found a connection with a group who can provide some of this need for you 💜 And may your path collide with someone who will, and wants to, hold you when you cry. It can be very healing.

You'd think there's a database out there to keep track of potentially triggering themes in fiction. I only really know of GoodReads but I think you'd be relying on reviews. Not sure!

But it sounds intriguing! I hope it doesn't turn too dark 🤞

@Jynx

I was listening to the radio recently and they had a psychologist on that said every human needs to be hugged 8 times a day.

Going into the dark depths of my history willingly is... well... it's like the dementors in Harry Potter... they suck all the happiness out of you... that's what it feels like...

Next time I think I need a post therapy playlist for those 2 hours I spend in the library...

You'd also think a librarian trained individual would say least be able to make a start at a spreadsheet of triggering books and series... that would be a mammoth project though

@avant-garde that seems....a little intense. Might have to go on a research rabbit-hole to see what I can find out about it.

A vivid image. Sounds exhausting, I hope you're able to get some solid snoozles tonight hun.

Oh how I wish we could share playlists without it compromising anonymity! What kind of tracks go into a library playlist for you?

Yeah seems like it'd have to be community-driven. New project? 😝

I hope your Saturday is chill vibes hun, and maybe catch you in the arvo if you're about. Nighty night! 💜

(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

@ENKELI

Was what I shared too much?

@Jynx

This may sound... well... selfish... and... it may not... make sense... but I I need someone... anyone really... to see... and to tell me... that even as a child... that my ability... simply to survive... that it was... remarkable...

I need someone to see the vulnerability and the beauty and the accomplishment... in this particular post... https://saneforums.org/t5/Talking-through-trauma-and-PTSD/Running/m-p/1749919/highlight/true#M7788

I need to feel seen... and understood...

@avant-garde thank you for sharing such a beautiful post.

Honestly, it makes sense that you are seeking a sense of validation hun. That sense of ostracisation runs deep.

I'm hearing that you are seeking a feeling of being seen and recognised in your struggles, and whilst I could say something to try to fulfil that, I know that for myself, whenever I have asked for something like this in the past, it has never really satisfied that yearning. I had to learn how to look within.

Developing my skills in reflection and introspection was also super important in this part of my recovery - being able to recognise my own growth and provide myself with a sense of reassurance that my fears and anxieties may have protected me in the past, but could be let go now.

Do you think there's a way you could give yourself that sense of validation and understanding?