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What to do after a sexual assault
by audienta
Last post
1 day 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.]
Discussions of the Trauma Sub-Community Announcement Thread
by audienta
Last post
1 day 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)
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
Trauma Support Automated Taglist
by CaringBrit
Last post
August 9th
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating taglist. To see the current list, go to Trauma Support Community [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/taglist?23eb3b680028ac32c998125af8d8f262]. <<<< checkin posters refer to this click then copy for taglist its instant updated To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words Please add me. To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words, Please remove me. highlighting keywords as these are needed no forms to fill in just type to this thread . dont need to copy the colouring though just the keywords highlight is so they stand out is all. New taglist as of August 9th 2024 by audienta @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
EMDR
by anonyLemon4233
Last post
March 13th
...See more I have not felt an inkling of gladness in months but today I finally feel glad! After several months of EMDR today I' was finally ready to close the chapter on a childhood memory 🦋. My response today to the memory was so radically different than at the start of this process. I feel relieved. 🌻
The Connection Between Social Anxiety and PTSD
by InvaderStitch
Last post
February 28th
...See more Today I was sitting at work DREADING making a phone call I needed to make and it just made me realize how much my social anxiety really paralyzes me. It also made me curious about how often Social Anxiety and PTSD are related to one another. The Connection According the the article I found on psych central [https://psychcentral.com/ptsd/childhood-trauma-social-anxiety]only about 3.2-16% of individuals with social anxiety have a PTSD diagnosis, however almost half of people diagnosed with PTSD also have social anxiety disorder. This suggests that for SOME people, social anxiety may be related to social trauma. While there is debate over whether or not social trauma meets the criteria for PTSD, it does seem to create some of the same symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, distorted thoughts, or changes in reactivity. If you’re experiencing these symptoms because of a social trauma, your experience is completely valid (and not uncommon). Social anxiety presents itself in an individual when they experience a large amount of stress in social situations including a fear of being judged or humiliated. It can also be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, interfere with ability to speak or interact with others, it may also make going to work or school feel impossible. Sometimes social anxiety feels pretty debilitating. Having social anxiety makes you more prone to experiencing social trauma and developing PTSD symptoms related to the trauma because of increased sensitivity and stress in social situations. A study in 2020 that looked at the prevalence of PTSD in individuals with Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and a control group without a diagnosis of Social Anxiety or OCD. What they found is that ⅓ of individuals with social anxiety experienced had PTSD whereas the prevalence of PTSD in the control group and OCD group was not significant. This research suggests a correlation between Social Anxiety and some sort of trauma. Treatments The good news is that there are professional treatments that can help you manage social anxiety disorder and PTSD. The article recommends * Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) * Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) * Prolonged Exposure (PE) * Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) * Internal Family Systems (IFS) Some treatments that have been shown effective for social anxiety, but not specifcially trauma include: * Interpersonal Therapy * Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) * Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) * Psychodynamic Therapy There are also some classes of medications that help with social anxiety that you can talk to a healthcare professsional about if therapy alone isn’t helping. Tips to try on your own Some tips for in the moment that help with both PTSD and social anxiety are: * Name the feeling: If you’re able to name what your experiencing and recognize it as a response to a trigger, the feelings tend to pass more quickly. * Breathe: Focusing on your breathing and slowing down and deepening your breaths is a proven way to calm the nervous system which will reduce the symptoms you are experiencing in the moment. * Connecting to your surroundings: shifting our attention to your senses can help you get out of your head and have a calming effect. If you’re paying attention to your senses it’s a lot harder to pay attention to your thoughts. * Distraction: Some people use humor to distract from the discomfort. Other ideas include calming music or simple activities that take your mind of the anxious feelings. Discussion Questions What are your thoughts on Social Anxiety and PTSD? Does Social Anxiety interfere with important aspects of your life? What is your experience with social anxiety? Do you think your social anxiety and PTSD are interconnected? What are some tips you have that might help those of us struggling with social anxiety manage our symptoms? Any other thoughts about the information?
Hey I'm not sure where to ask, but I was wondering how to help maybe physical discomforts during s'ual triggers?
by ScaredLongNeckedFrend
Last post
November 12th, 2023
...See more I'm male and I don't mean arousal, I'll end up cutting those organs off if it keeps doing that. I really can't compare the type of discomfort with anything, and libido already feels uncomfortable when things feel too intensely triggering. I don't know how to cope. I'm still working on a lot of things to get to professionals, doctors or clinical people, and I haven't for an array of reasons. And apart from intense fear and panic over clinical settings/people, disclosing personal information and these types of subjects, I somehow just noticed that I might also need to work on intimacy (on a friendship or clinical level). I've never had anything safe for it. So if you've any readings or videos regarding intimacy in those settings I would really appreciate it. Idk what to do for that either
Helpful Books for Interpersonal Trauma Recovery
by HopeLives23
Last post
July 15th, 2023
...See more I'm always looking for great books that are helpful to explain about interpersonal trauma, addresses awareness, acknowledgement, coping skills, and related steps toward self-exploration and recovery. Have you read a good book or worked through a good workbook lately on recovery from childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence or sex trafficking? I'd love to know what you've read and how the book was helpful wise. Looking forward to hearing from you.
🎨Easy Grounding Tricks For Panic Attacks 🔆
by SilverMistakes
Last post
March 8th, 2023
...See more I hope some of us may benefit from this post 🎼 Helps to - reestablish self awareness of the space around me, after an intense set of flashbacks. Steps * Identify five things that you can see * Four things that you can touch * Three things that you can hear * Two things you can smell * And one thing that you can taste. An important aspect of this is actually taking the time to experience each thing — reach out and touch that cabinet, smell that candle, take a sip of that coffee. Not only does this keep one grounded in the present moment, but it also encourages to begin engaging with own environment again, which can feel daunting after being so harshly ripped away from reality.
EMDR
by mindyjoe90
Last post
February 1st, 2023
...See more Hello is anyone currently also going through EMDR therapy as a trauma recovery and support system? It’s very lonely and your thinking changes in a healthy way but wow. It’s so overwhelming. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just reaching out for more support.
Stress or Anxiety?
by blitheSun94
Last post
January 13th, 2023
...See more Dear Readers, Research shows there is a close link between stress, physical well being, and mental health in general. For this reason much of the guidance here on 7 Cups is rooted in developing, strengthening, and prioritizing a self-care plan. Many of us can relate to the way stress levels contribute to toxic cycles of anxiety, especially within an increasingly fast pace society that shames us for setting boundaries or slowing down. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH [https://www.combatdomesticviolence.com/stressed-or-is-it-anxiety/]) offers the following insight on this topic: Discussion Points: How has anxiety impacted your daily life? How has stress impacted your experience with anxiety? Which self-care routines help you regulate your nervous system the most? What are some new ways you can reduce stress in your own life? Remember, we can’t pour from an empty cup. I look forward to reading all of your feedback and growing the community through stress-management! ✨💕✨
DID/OSDD Support Chat?
by DichotomousDetia
Last post
December 19th, 2022
...See more Does anyone know if the DID/OSDD support chats are continuing? Pretty much anyone can host it. i'm not in a place enough yet to dedicate a time to that but if I did it would be afternoon EST in all likelihood. someone was hosting an 11am EST DID/OSDD support room in the Trauma Room but I haven't heard from them and there's no posts about it.
What Is Post-Traumatic Growth?
by blitheSun94
Last post
November 15th, 2022
...See more "Suffering is universal: you attempt to subvert it so that it does not have a destructive, negative effect. You turn it around so that it becomes a creative, positive force.’ Those are the words of Terry Waite who survived four years in solitary confinement, chained, beaten and subject to mock execution.   Interest in how trauma can be a catalyst for positive changes began to take hold during the mid 1990’s when the term posttraumatic growth was introduced by two pioneering scholars Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun." Positive psychology is a relatively new realm and aims to explore the better aspects of our minds as opposed to those which might be considered abnormal. This frontier is breaking new ground with a term called "post-traumatic growth". Post-traumatic growth examines the characteristics of trauma that you can benefit from. No one will argue that trauma changes us forever. Among these positive changes are a sensitive appreciation toward relationships, wisdom and expression, and less materialism matched with a greater inclination toward enlightenment. "Importantly, and this just can’t be emphasized enough, this does not mean that trauma is not also destructive and distressing. No one welcomes adversity.  But the research evidence shows us that over time people can find benefits in their struggle with adversity.  Indeed, across a large number of studies of people who have experienced a wide range of negative events, estimates are that between 30 and 70% typically report some form of positive change We can all use this knowledge to help us cope when adversity does strike, be it bereavement, accident or illness.  We can seek to live more wisely in the aftermath of adversity and as the opening quote says, subvert suffering. " In what ways have you grown as a result of your traumatic experience(s)? Read the full article here: Posttraumatic Growth, Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201402/posttraumatic-growth]
Sad and isolated
by Lottie2x
Last post
August 28th, 2022
...See more I'm pregnant with his child and he really left bad thoughts with me. I won't won't into what he did but when he assaulted me sexually I was frightened and I just cant escape what happened
Driving anxiety
by 10vefool
Last post
August 20th, 2022
...See more I’m currently 22 years old (soon to be 23) and i feel like getting my drivers license had been the toughest battle in my adult life. I first got my permit and started driving when i was about 17 and my dad was the person “teaching me” at the time. I don’t think i was as scared of driving as I am now back then but i still dreaded getting into the car with him to practice bc i would always feel so insecure. After practicing for a while the road test for the first time in 2017 and failed. I did parallel and reverse parking perfectly but once i was on the road i just got so nervous and felt so inexperienced and almost got into a car accident during a left turn DURING my test which caused me to fail automatically. Honestly i think getting in the car with a stranger as a new driver and almost getting in a wreck scared me enough to keep delaying retaking my test. Also that was the summer before college and I didn’t really need to drive once i was at college so i just put it off for the entire 4 years and just relied on other people and transit to get around. But now i’m 22 and back in the suburbs so it has become a necessity again. However i’m currently working from home so that give me the freedom to continue to put it off. I recently started practicing again and took the test but failed based on small errors that added up even though i thought i did really well. I feel like i’m just cursed or something bc i really want to get over my driving anxiety through exposure by driving alone (people being in the car makes me more nervous) but i can’t even do that without a license. I just generally feel so bad embarrassed about it and feel so behind in life because of it and feel stuck. I want to try to take the test again soon but even being at the dmv is embarrassing and nerve wrecking to me bc of my past experiences of failing. I would love to know if anyone has been in the same boat and how you were able to overcome it. Thanks :)

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.
Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader