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Discussions of the Trauma Sub-Community Announcement Thread
by audienta
Last post
 38 minutes ago
...See more Hello everyone, In this thread, the discussions of the trauma sub-community will be announced by the hosts 24 hours in advance. After a session has happened, I'll remove the post so that the thread stays nice and clean. If you want to be tagged for future discussions, please comment or pm me and I'll add you to the list. You can find the schedule of the discussions here (clickable) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/TraumaticExperiencesCommunity_60/DissociationRelatedDisorders_2335/ScheduleDiscussionsaboutDissociativeDisorders_302437/]. If you need to convert the time into your time zone, click here (clickable) [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/7cupstime]. Please let me know if you have any questions! Take care, audienta (lastly updated: 6/13/2023)
What to do after a sexual assault
by audienta
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more What to do after a sexual assault If you're in danger, please call your local emergency line. TW: Sexual Assault What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact or behaviour that happens without explicit consent. Examples of sexual assault are: * Fondling or unwanted sexual touching * Non-consensual kissing * Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body * Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape * Attempted rape What is explicit consent? The consent should be freely and clearly communicated. Also, it can be taken back at any point. You cannot give consent when you’re * incapacitated by drugs or alcohol * feeling pressured, threatened, or intimidated * under the legal age of consent What do I do right after experiencing sexual assault? * If you’re severely injured or in immediate danger, call your emergency line. * If you’re not in immediate danger but do not feel safe, consider calling someone you trust for support. * Know that what happened is not your fault. * If possible, call your local sexual assault hotline or a victim support center. * Go to a health care facility to receive medical attention and a sexual assault forensic exam, also known as “rape kit”. This has to be done within 72h and if possible, you should not go to the bathroom, shower, comb your hair, change your clothes, or clean up the area in which the assault has happened before you have done the exam. * Consider getting Post-Exposure-Prophylaxis, DoxyPEP, or the emergency contraceptive pill to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy depending on what you want and what your doctor recommends. * If you want to, report the assault. If you’re already getting medical attention, you can tell a medical professional that you want to report the assault. Otherwise, you can also call your local police department. What do I do afterwards? * Safety planning Brainstorm what you could do to stay safe and reduce the risk of future harm. Remember that it is not your fault that it happened though. * Therapy Working with a therapist might help with dealing with the challenges you might face after experiencing sexual assault. * Support group Dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault is hard. But you’re not alone. In support groups you have the option to talk to other people with similar experiences. * Self-Care Making sure that our body and mind are well cared for can make such a difference. Focus on what helps you to feel grounded and safe. * Be careful with media consumption Portrayal of sexual violence in the media can be very triggering for sexual assault survivors. Remember that you don’t have to watch potentially triggering content. Pay attention to trigger or content warnings and read about the content before you watch it. How can 7 Cups help? 7 Cups can only support you while you’re not in crisis, which means, you can’t be actively self-harming, suicidal, in active danger, or planning on hurting someone while using 7 Cups. When you’re safe, this is what 7 Cups can offer: * 1-1 chats with trained listeners You can talk to our trained listeners 24/7. You can browse for listeners here [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/]. * Open and guided group support chats You can find the schedule of all trauma support discussions here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/trauma/General_2433/ScheduleDiscussionsoftheTraumaSubCommunity_302437/]. * Self-help guides There are different self-help guides available, including one about traumatic experiences. You find all of them here [https://www.7cups.com/supportGuides/selfHelpGuides.php].  * Online therapy 7 Cups offers online therapy for USD §39.75 per week. This includes daily messaging - the therapist responds 1-2 times a day from monday to friday. If you want to have weekly video sessions, this costs additional §55 per week. You can find more information about that here [https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy]. Resources After Sexual Assault | RAINN [https://rainn.org/after-sexual-assault] Recovering from Sexual Violence | RAINN [https://rainn.org/recovering-sexual-violence] Tips for Survivors on Consuming Media | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/tips-survivors-consuming-media] Self-Care After Trauma | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/self-care-after-trauma] Telling Loved Ones About Sexual Assault | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/telling-loved-ones-about-sexual-assault] Reporting to Law Enforcement | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/reporting-law-enforcement] Steps You Can Take After Sexual Assault | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/steps-you-can-take-after-sexual-assault] The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/importance-dna-sexual-assault-cases] What Is a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam? | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/rape-kit] Sexual Assault | RAINN What Consent Looks Like | RAINN [https://rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent] What Is Sexual Assault? | Columbia Health [https://www.health.columbia.edu/content/what-sexual-assault#:~:text=Sexual%20assault%20can%20encompass%20a,committing%20the%20harm%20against%20them] Post-Exposure-Prophylaxis | WebMD [https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/post-exposure-prophylaxis] DoxyPEP Factsheet | Public Health LA [http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/Docs/DoxyPEP_Factsheet_EN.pdf] Emergency Contraceptive Pill | NHS UK [https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/what-is-it/#:~:text=The%20emergency%20contraceptive%20pill%2C%20sometimes,on%20the%20type%20of%20pill.]
Trauma Support Community Check-In for November 2024 - Veterans & Military Families Month
by audienta
Last post
 November 7th
...See more Hello everyone, welcome to this month's check-in! This month is Veterans & Military Families Month. (Source [https://www.militaryonesource.mil/media/toolkits/service-provider/national-veterans-military-families-month/#:~:text=Every%20November%2C%20Military%20OneSource%20honors,members%20of%20our%20military%20community.]) This month we want to appreciate the support that families of soldiers give them and the sacrifices that they make to be able to give this support. We also want to appreciate veterans for the work they have done. Being part of a military family as well as being a veteran can come with a lot of trauma so we want you to know that this community is here for you.  On a side note, we're currently working on a regular support chat for veterans, so if you're interested in that, please pm me. ------------------------- Trauma Support Community Check-In for November 2024 1) What is something that helps you to feel grounded when the world around you gets overwhelming? 2) What are some challenges you're anticipating this month? 3) What's a strength you've discovered in yourself or your family through difficult times? ------------------------- If you have a question you'd like me to ask at the next check-in, please let me know! Take care, audienta ------------------------- Source: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/parenting/family-life/military-family-appreciation/ [https://www.militaryonesource.mil/parenting/family-life/military-family-appreciation/] ------------------------- You can get added to or removed from the trauma support taglist here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/TraumaSupport_60/ampResources_2334/TraumaSupportAutomatedTaglist_219256/]. @0Some0where0I0BELONG0 @13irth @adaptableLake3534 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousAcres9344 @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @AguaNector6700 @allYou @Amelia2324 @amiableBunny4016 @AshFox2007 @AstronomySkies @audienta @Avaray @BeautifulCreation999 @BeenAKiwi @bela12345 @BillyJoeBobb @blueScarf9326 @bouncyBreeze44 @BraveAdventurer @BrokenDreamsPalace @BrokenMedic @bubblegumPuppy68 @bumblebee2307 @Bunnylovesyou @CalmRosebud @CaptainTrev @carefulKitten1131 @CaringBrit @charmingSky5972 @Chrissy911666 @Claireolomi @clare7199 @Colorfulcatsofhope @communicativePond1728 @communicativeYard2325 @conicha @CoolBeans29 @coolvibes @Crakyz @creativeStrings1531 @crimsonLime6525 @crxxtvfl0w @cueball @cyanPlatypus6370 @DaniAleah156 @Dannc7c @DarkGalaxy55555 @daydreammemories @Deadtiredperson175 @delicatepunk @depressedsatellite1452 @diligentDime8651 @DinaElwy @domesticEmerald50s @Eitas @emotional232023 @emotionalTalker2260 @emylly @FallenAngel0128 @Feathersfall @FigureskatingEquestrian @Fireskye13 @Fleggles @fluien @forcefulFriend4768 @Gagaintheroom @gentleLand5245 @Ghxstie @goldenSpruce1512 @Grandmaof10 @Greenchoice1 @gregariousBeing5071 @Grits1910 @helpfulLion92 @hillsideblues @honestpanda81 @HonestWarrior6624 @HopeNChayil @HumanPersonThingy @Iamwhoiamwhoami @IceCream4IceCream @iloveyouxx @IndigoWhisper @InfinityandBeyond23 @inventiveOrange1313 @Itisbailey @jcqlinshots @Journey144 @jovialButterfly6752 @jr50 @Judy7 @jupitermatilde @JustSmilingThruHell @Kekesea11 @Kickiree @Kimmkimm @kindTurtle3738 @kittydragon771 @Kunoichi91Warrior @LightofWorld @LillithHolly @Lilly28 @lilmissjaded @lionsaether @littleHuman9247 @littleOtter1342 @LordFireStorm71 @lovehummingbirdsCindy @LovelyForever6990 @LovelyOrangeJuice @LoveMyMoonflowers @lowkeyem1001 @Lubo123 @Luchelle @lyricalAngel70 @Marigold357 @maya6548 @mcooper7583 @Meenagirl @Mellietronx @mish3l @MistyMagic @mkaitx @Mooglethefluffy @MunchieTaters @MVObserver @mytwistedsoul @navyMango2804 @neatBlueberry3608 @neonDog3649 @neonOwl3442 @NevaehRose @Nolanhm @NoneTheWiser @nonethewiser @notmyselftoday @Novelwriter @npos25 @oceancruiser48 @Oceanwaves16 @OffDutySeraph @OneErased @OneWithSugar @ottersngiggles @parkey @Parvlakin @PatienceImpatiens @pencilmarks @Petrichor2000 @Philowl @Pidgeymon @PinkestOctopus @politeBunny7572 @practicalIdeal2007 @purpleWheel873 @QuietLotus @rainbow3140 @Randomperson453 @RansviewTheWizard @raspberry563 @ReallyRuth @Rebekahwriter13 @Redhawk6547 @Redirecting @redmark @reliablePeach8464 @Rosa9570 @SafeSpace1776 @SapphireSoul @SarahAlaina15 @scarletPear1945 @selfdisciplinedTiger5523 @sensitiveShade5337 @ShapeshiftSystem @shellofashell @shiningDay80 @Silverviolets @sincereThinker3571 @sleepingd0gg0 @SmileSravani @SnippyHam @sofiamartino18 @SoftForestHSP77 @SoulSupporter102 @StarlightSystemDID @stickercollection @Storyhymns1234 @straightforwardSkies7721 @sugarcookies7 @Summer899 @SynSavory @Taylorz27 @tealOak8933 @teenytinyturtle @The0Vetoed0System @TheAutumnWitch @TheFisherKing @ThisIsLogan @ThreadbareThinker @Tinywhisper11 @TransparentPuzzle @turquoiseHemlock900 @Turtlegrrrl8 @u1146 @underapinetree @Understandingempath @UndomesticGoddess @unique73 @uniqueDaisy @veeceebee @Verysadperson101 @Vivikun9 @WarriorHeartsSystem @weepingwillow5489 @WelcomeToChat @wontwakewontsleep @WorkingitThrough2 @Worrior22Warrior @Writersworld @WriteToHeal42 @xandia @xmoonsie16x0
Processing trauma
by littleb4t
Last post
 October 24th
...See more I'm starting to heal. But God is it ***. I have to journal everyday. I mean, it's nice because I can set a timer and then move on to something else when I'm done. I feel a little more "in control". But I'm still having nightmares. I have so much to work through and it just feels so heavy. I deserved better. But I have to come to the realization that I will never obtain that same kind of love or safety. I can try to be that for myself but nothing comes close to having a mom who takes care of you or a dad who protects you. Nothing. 
I am scared.
by username4479
Last post
 October 14th
...See more I am scared. 
Abuse within the family
by username4479
Last post
 October 12th
...See more This is a thread to share points of view on abuse within the family
How does child sexual abuse victims later become child sexual abusers themselves?
by toughBlueberry
Last post
 September 18th
...See more I recently read Perks of being a Wallflower and saw aunt Helen molest Charlie because she was molested as a child. How does her mind work while doing this? Does she do this because she finds children arousing? And how does that links to her being molested as a child? Or is it a power and control situation? How does molesting him makes her feel more powerful? Does she get sexual pleasure from touching him, or does she want to make him feel bad somehow? It would be great help if you can help me understand. Regards.
Am I dramatic? Or traumatized?
by JustABrush
Last post
 September 6th
...See more When I was a little kid, like five and below really, I only remember a few things. I also remember that I was in foster care for awhile. Not sure how long, nobody will tell me- but possibly a year. It wasn't with a stranger, but with my mom's great step-aunt instead. Note, the woman, who I'll refer to as 'Lauren'(not her real name), is now deemed at least somewhat insane and unstable at least. I lived with her, all of her other foster kids, and her husband, my actual great uncle. I don't remember him at all, only her really.  In their house, I can only describe it as the worst period of my life honestly. I only remember two other kids there, a boy and a girl. The girl was sweet to me at least, I only ever remember her smiling at me. But the boy can only be described as a hellspawn honestly.  I was held down as he put my toys, little plastic hello kitty toys in the oven, which my mother had given me- and had to watch them melt. I had my hand pressed down on a hot burner to learn 'not to touch it', his way of helping me, apparently.  I don't remember much else from him, other than his constant smile and laugh honestly. Just rubs me the wrong way when I try to think about it.  Not sure how to process all this, considering nobody will talk to me about it, and it's not really the first case of someone in my family lashing out physically. My aunt, while only 14 when I was a kid, had been abusive- to the point of force feeding me a cup of ants, (one of those red party ones), and chasing me in my grandmothers house to hit me. Of course, everybody defends her, since she was 'just a kid', and blamed me for my young mother's spiral into depression and drug use.(My mother had been seventeen when I was born as a reference, my father in his twenties. Apparently they were both drunk, but that's not what this story is about.) I'm just conflicted on how to feel, if it's something I should just drop because I'm being dramatic or what. It was in the past and I live with my dad now, and I just don't know if I should keep shoving all this down or actually discuss it like this.
Challenging the past
by SlvrDragonQueen
Last post
 July 10th
...See more I was subjected (along with my mom, sister and brother) to horrible abuse by my step dad. Abuse in every way there is. I've long forgiven him but I have fears that I've had for years and I have no clue why I have them as there is A LOT of my past I simply can not remember and it bugs me. I feel like if I could remember then I could face it and put it away for good. Anyone else ever deal with memory gaps and if so, did you ever figure out how to recover them? Thank you all and stay strong! 💗Queen Simona the Orthodox
Possible Child Abuse?
by warmheartedbranch9093
Last post
 July 9th
...See more Hey, it's Rem you might recognize me from my forum post on assault a few days ago? I wanted to make this post because I'm not sure but I think I faced abuse as a child? first off, I know I am far better off than others in this forum. My parents always have me everything I asked for and we rarely ever got hit. But the thing is, my parents also weren't the kindest parents. They thought they caught my older sister using her tablet to play when we were kids and they smashed it to pieces with a hammer. She hadn't even been playing with it. My mother used to drip molten candle wax on our hands whenever we lied until I was 10. Anyone of us caught misbehaving would be locked in the balcony or the living room, depending on how bad we were, for hours at a time in isolation. My father once threatened me with a knife for arguing with him when I was 8. It gives me nightmares 8 years later. At this point my sister and I rely on ourselves and each other to raise each other more than we do our parents. aside from that, emotional manipulation was, is rampant here. Anywhere from "you are a disappointment to me" to "you refuse to get better grades because you've never loved me or cared about my happiness" to "I want you to hit me for ever trusting you to be anything but useless" Am I crazy?? Because I feel like there are a couple red flags here but also, they give me everything I need and want. I just want to know if I'm over reacting or if I have a reason to be upset
T/w:- Domestic Violence
by FeministDidi2000
Last post
 July 8th
...See more I m not sure what to do... Everything is about money in this world my ex husband was convicted of domestic violence was sentenced to jail for life but he got released today by giving money to authorities and he's running after me i m so scared I m just trapped in the grip of power and money I m not sure what to do anymore i face only victim blaming even here in 7 cups in rooms none listened to me properly and even listeners I feel so hopeless 
I am very Angry
by optimisticCranberry2655
Last post
 June 30th
...See more I found out yesterday that I am, in fact very angry.  I didn't want to be an angry person. My dad got so angry when I was a kid and it scared me a lot because I heard it. It was a constant. I flinch when I hear yelling, sometimes. So, I decided I wouldn't get angry anymore.  I had a lot of emotional abuse in my childhood. My father also grabbed me to prove points about certain topics, and so have other people. I still struggle with physical touch from men to this day because of what he did and the stigma my religious school had around boy/girl relationships. Yesterday I realized that I am so freaking angry, not just about this, but everything else in my life. To the point where yesterday night I was screaming. To the point this and my mistakes are all I think about. To the point where I have trouble sleeping at night. I spent a lot of yesterday screaming into the abyss.  I don't want to leave the house anymore. I don't want to go. 
TW Emotional abuse, child abuse/ father's day/ extended family dynamics
by curiousmusic
Last post
 June 30th
...See more I opted to remain in the city that I go to college in this summer. I am very glad that I have this option, since it means I can actually focus on things without being hyperaware of my dad's moods and walking on eggshells. In this situation I can at least deal with how I feel about things instead of being actively immersed in the toxic environment of my parents' house. (TW emotional abuse)  The earliest times I recall my dad being verbally abusive were while I was in middle school. I overheard screaming fights between him and one of my siblings. I remember that he would threaten to disown me and my siblings and send us to a particular orphanage. I remember him suggesting I run away when he was angry with me. I lost things a lot and would lose track of assignments (likely connected to my diagnosed ADHD) and he would blow up at me and say I would end up on the street and he called me many insulting names, often targeted at my intelligence or generally degrading my worth as a person. There was that and the mocking and the taunting. There was one occasion when he followed me outside the house, still screaming insults at me before storming back inside. One of our neighbors overheard and told me that a parent shouldn't speak to their kid like that.  I am sure I have forgotten many details since, amplified by my attempts to physically shut out the sound of the insults and screaming, but I do remember that when he was really riled up, he would try to break into my room and scream at me with less of a barrier in between and I got used to leaning as hard as I could against my door or to holding the lock on my door when he was trying to pick it from outside.  Through growing up in a household with him, I learned that to be open about mistakes risked being yelled at and degraded. I also developed a terrible self-image through middle and high school, which involved many of the same insults that my dad would scream at me or say in a mocking tone. I struggled with suicidal ideation and depression and though that can have a genetic component, my home environment could not have helped. When father's day approached this year, I received a text from my mom reminding me of it. I could not bring myself to tell my dad happy father's day, since although I had a vague idea he may be working on himself, my memories of him contain far too much of him degrading me and my siblings to call him a "good father". He must have been vocal about not hearing from me, because I received a message saying I should tell him that from my mom the next day. I gave in, but after speaking with my siblings recently, that message seems even more undeserved. I recall one instance of him hitting me and my siblings recall more than that against them. The sibling who remains in my parent's house is still being emotionally and physically abused in that way. So while some of my friends posted about having amazing fathers, I was deeply resenting mine. Also, I have been frustrated with responses from parts of my extended family. My dad's siblings live far away from us and have not witnessed the extent of abuse that myself, my siblings, and my mom have, but they must see glimpses of it when we visit for the holidays. His siblings have plans to go on a certain trip into the wilderness with him and me and one of my siblings were also invited. We were very wary of this, given how it would be much harder to get away while literally off the grid. One of my dad's siblings suggested that since I am older now, it may be easier for me to deal with "things getting rough"/code for my dad's verbal abuse. There's that and the time I was reminded that my dad "loves me" during a period of time when I had been trying to find a different place to live, since I could not stand life while remaining at my parent's house. I don't know. Maybe they were more permissible of abusive behavior when perpetrated by their brother or underestimated the damage done to my siblings and I. Personally, I have trouble forming close connections with people without becoming too needy and driving them away and it has taken years of therapy to quiet the insults which filled my mind and to not judge myself and my worth very harshly when I make a mistake or misplace something. There's nature and nurture, but yeah there is no way all the verbal abuse helped.  So now, I'm wishing the best for my sibling who is planning where they will go after leaving my parent's house. I am really hoping that my mom will stop making excuses for and refocusing blame for my dad's behavior. She is also a victim of his abuse although I'm not sure she sees it that way. Seeing how my dad continues to behave (and apparently still calls me stuff like worthless and a failure behind my back), I will try to break off contact once I find financial independence, though I anticipate pressure from some extended family and my mom to forgive him even if he has not truly earned it.
*trigger warning* - Religious abuse and how to support someone
by Kyoshi
Last post
 June 4th
...See more Religious abuse is also known as spiritual abuse, religious abuse happens when someone uses religion or spiritual beliefs to hurt, control or scare someone. Religious abuse might include: · Stopping you from practicing your religious or spiritual beliefs · Forcing you to participate in religious practices that you do not want to participate in · Using religious or spiritual leaders or teachings to: 1. Force you to stay in a relationship or marriage 2. Excuse violence and abuse 3. Encourage you to accept violence and abuse 4. Stop you or your children from getting medical health care 5. Forcing or pressure you into a marriage you don’t want To read more on what religious abuse exactly is click here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/TraumaSupport_60/ChildAbuseDomesticAbuse_601/TRIGGERWARNINGReligiouschildAbuse_266210/] The most important thing to remember is that what they experienced is real. Harm done in the name of a religion is some of the most painful and confusing trauma we can experience. Shame is what people deal with who have been abused and hurt by a religious system. Breaking free from religious abuse takes courage, and the healing of religious wounds takes time, compassion, and an exploration of the truth. It is common for those who have experienced religious abuse to have symptoms of PTSD. Religious Trauma is unique and confusing. Talking to someone in a therapeutic setting can help you begin the healing process. Religious abuse recovery is done from an empowerment perspective that builds on principles of self-determination, autonomy, and freedom from tactics of gas-lighting, mind control, and manipulation. Many people experiencing abuse feel like they are alone, that people don’t understand or won’t believe them. You are not alone and there are people who will listen to you and believe you and want to support you in your healing process. There are also many professionals, such as the police, GPs, health professionals and teachers, that are able to offer advice and put you in touch with specialists. When you talk to someone who opens up about religious abuse, we usually have an impulse like offering words of wisdom or giving advice on how to leave. However, what someone experiencing and talking about trauma truly needs is someone to actively listen to them and validate their experience. Let them know that you are a safe person to trust by simply listening, keeping their confidence. Keep in mind that we do not give advice as listeners as we never know the full story and situation they are in. If an abused person is upset, it can sometimes seem like they are attacking the religion. When this happens, it's important to not get defensive. Try to focus on the feelings of the person is having such as betrayal, confusion, anger, sadness and let them know those feelings are valid (note: all feelings are valid). Religious abuse is a complex form of abuse, involving religious, physical and psychological trauma. If someone opens up to you about religious abuse, encourage them to seek help. For listeners reading this, know that you don't have to stay in a chat that is triggering or making you feel uncomfortable, sometimes its more helpful to end the chat than staying in the chat and saying the wrong things.
Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse
by HopieRemi
Last post
 May 22nd
...See more Red flags include: fear of your partner missing work or school personality changes low self-esteem trouble sleeping anxiety about pleasing your partner Warning signs in your partner include: monitoring you on social media keeping you from seeing friends and family blaming you and others for problems in their life angry outbursts, punching walls, or destroying your property tracking your spending or withholding money controlling who you talk to, what you wear, or where you go criticizing, belittling, or embarrassing you in front of others taking away your keys or preventing you from leaving restraining, slapping, or physically hurting you threatening self-harm or suicide if you try to leave If you related to any of the signs, it is not too late to get help. Take to someone. Call a hotline. You are not alone.

Trauma Support

Please note: blue text is hyperlinked.

Welcome to Trauma Support! We aim to provide a safe, empowering, inclusive, supportive and proactive community for trauma survivors to have the opportunity to begin healing from our experiences, in a non-judgmental environment. We also want to help spread awareness about trauma and its impact on individuals' lives while validating the members of this community, reducing the isolation many people feel. Therefore, trauma survivors as well as loved ones of them or people who want to learn about trauma are welcome here. 

What are the different forum topics for Trauma Support?

Bluelight, Medical & Veterans Trauma Support: Support for those who experience or witness trauma at work

Check-Ins & Prompts:  Regular check-ins and prompts, created by our leadership team

Child & Domestic Abuse: For people who have experienced child abuse, domestic abuse or even both

Coping with Attachment Difficulties: Help and support for people with attachment difficulties

Creativity Corner: A creative space for poetry, art, and healing and recovery quotes

Dissociation & Related Disorders: A place to discuss your struggles with dissociation and how it relates to your trauma

Introductions & Welcomes: Are you new to the Trauma Community? Share a little about yourself!

Journaling Stories: This area is for sharing your story or creating a diary

PTSD & Complex Trauma: Share stories and seek support for PTSD and complex PTSD

Resources: Share and seek resources here

Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse: A place for those affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse

Trauma through Bullying: A place to seek support around the issue of suffering traumatic experiences as a result of bullying

Trauma through War: This section is there for people who have been impacted by war

Traumatic Loss: For survivors of traumatic loss of any kind

How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable to). 

Alternatively, you may wish to join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.

In addition to that, you can take part in discussions or become a host for them.

Finally, you could also have a look at the posts of our trauma support sub-community writing team or even join it. 

Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our taglist to be notified for important posts.

Discussions: Here you can find out when the next discussion takes place.

Trauma Support Room Access: Find out how you can access the trauma support room here. The room is open during the discussions and on Sundays.

Masterpost: Within this thread, you can find a number of educative and supportive posts that our writing team has written.

Leadership Team: In this thread, you can get to know our leadership team.

Trauma Support FAQ

Are there any sub-community specific guidelines that we need to adhere to? 

- Yes, all sub-community specific guidelines can be found below and should be followed in addition to the general forum guidelines.

How can I give feedback or ideas to the leadership team?

- You can either pm audienta directly, use this form to contact the forum leaders, or this form for general feedback about the trauma support sub-community.

Help... I still have a question! 

You can ask your questions in this thread and someone will respond to you as soon as possible.

Community Guidelines

These are the Trauma Support Sub-Community Guidelines, which have been drawn up in addition to the 7 Cups main guidelines and are specific for the Trauma Support community:

  • Uphold and comply with the 7 Cups main guidelines
  • Respect everyone, members and listeners alike
  • Do not discourage/be unsupportive/blame/judge one another for their past
  • No graphic, in depth descriptions or pictures which could be triggering for others - in forums, chat and support session
  • Please always add a trigger warning if you believe your thread could be potentially triggering/harmful and/or contains one of the topics on this list. Also, please add a short topic description to the trigger warning (e.g. "Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse) and if you're in a group support chat, wait a moment to see if everyone is comfortable with the topic. If not, agree on a time span during which the person who's not comfortable with the topic leaves the chat. Once they come back after this time span, change the topic.
  • Cursing not permitted and must be asterisked. (It is fine to vent and to express appropriate anger, but as curse words have often been used during abusive and traumatic experiences, we ask members and listeners to asterisk abusive/curse words to avoid triggering and upsetting members where possible and to maintain a respectful environment and to encourage positive and healthy expression of anger.)
  • Forums postings made by listeners and members should be transparent, made in English and should not be blocked out using colouring to disguise content of wording/messages sent between members/listeners, to maintain the safety of all users of the trauma sub community and to ensure all rules are being complied with.
  • Everyone is unique and their experiences are individual to them. Everyone’s experiences and how they think and feel about these are valid. Everyone reacts to traumatic experiences differently. This will be respected and appreciated without judgement.
Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader
@audienta
Chatroom Moderator
@InsightfulPhoenix
@Kieran000
@WillingToHelpU