Beginning to Process and Cope

@goldenSpruce1512 this has happened to me too... I did not know it was rape as like you it was my then boyfriend so i never thought of it as rape but recently i have been having flashbacks so I guess I never healed from this as like you I have never mentioned or talked with anyone ... talking is a good way to help you heal .. please take care ... and be kind to yourself

@lovelypomelo

Thank you for your message! I think for me, talking is healing, but it's so challenging. I thought I would've processed better by now, but I haven't.

Hello, @goldenSpruce1512. I was sexually assaulted by someone I was dating at the time. I still struggle with it. But I am slowly healing. I'm in therapy and I have a support group. I also have opened up to some of my friends. If you have anyone in your life you really trust, reaching out to them might help. If it's hard to say things out loud, you could write. My first therapy session, I wrote down what happened. It just felt easier somehow. Always remember you're not alone and you have the power to heal.

@stardust42

thanks for your response. I agree that I need to talk more. A listener on this app has been so helpful for me, but in real life, it's so hard to reach out and talk about.

@goldenSpruce1512

I'm glad you were able to connect with a listener. If you don't feel ready to talk in real life, maybe you could still express your emotions through art or music. Sometimes I paint my feelings. Personally, I didn't feel ready to talk for a long time. Healing happens at it's own pace and it's different for everyone. Connecting with people on 7cups is a good first step. You are talking to people in your own way. It's takes courage to reach out like that.