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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
I can't handle it anymore
by kindSugar3443
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more My life feels like it’s been a constant struggle for peace, stability, and even basic safety. It all started with small things—my family wouldn’t let me focus on school, constantly involving me in their conflicts. Eventually, the stress took such a toll that I lost 10 kilos, but no one seemed to care. My father was barely around to support us and often reacted violently. Even when I managed to get a 15 on my exams, he tried to smash my computer as if my efforts weren’t worth anything. I had to study independently, without even going to regular classes, just to keep going. I had almost no allies. My own aunts, my neighbors, and even some of my teachers sided with those against me, gossiping about my life. They knew every detail because my father would tell everyone, even when I asked him to keep things private. When I confronted him, he responded with violence. At one point, he nearly strangled my mother, and he never hesitated to humiliate us publicly. I’ll never forget the day he called me and my mom slurs out in the open, and how the boys who bullied me overheard it, making everything worse. They took that moment as an opportunity to start an 18+ *** group targeting me. It felt like harassment was inescapable. These experiences left me hyper-alert, always afraid of people’s judgments. My mom raised me on constant warnings to avoid anything that might make people talk, which only made me feel like an easy target for anyone who wanted to criticize or hurt me. One day, in desperation, I reached out to one of my dad’s acquaintances who offered help with work and housing. I thought he’d be an ally, but instead, he betrayed my trust, spreading my words around to damage my reputation further. My family eventually moved to a new town, which slightly improved my mental health, but not by much. My dad hasn’t changed at all, and his attitude just leaves me feeling bitter. He tells me to “accept my hardships because it’s God’s will,” as if I should be okay with all the suffering. I never even got to study the field I wanted, while everyone who hurt me seems to move on with their lives, celebrating their own achievements. But perhaps the worst part of it all is how deeply my family’s influence reaches, even into the judiciary. Some of my aunts are wealthy and have direct connections within the legal system. One of my abusers, a man who assaulted me, is a judge himself. This means that every time I’ve tried to seek justice, they’ve blocked my attempts. With their influence, they’re able to hold off any legal help I might have gotten, leaving me feeling completely powerless to defend myself or even speak up. I feel trapped in a cycle that I can’t escape from, like my own family is a cage I can’t break out of. They know where I live, what I’m studying, and they’ve even made it clear that they’ll continue to make my life hard if they can. They say things like, “You’ll suffer just like we have,” as if my pain is just collateral damage in their lives. My father now treats my siblings differently, forgiving their mistakes even when they’re serious. My mom tells me I’m being “proud” or “stubborn” for wanting a better life, and my family accuses me of being “bitter” or “angry.” But who wouldn’t feel this way after being treated like this for so long? Most days, I’m running on empty, worn down from years of fighting alone. I want so badly to make up for the years I’ve lost and to finally live a life without fear. But it’s hard to see a way out when those in power are determined to keep me from escaping. All I wanted was a chance to live, study, and build my future.
UNICEF International Anti-violence Week
by Eitas
Last post
 November 13th
...See more Hello everyone, This week, UNICEF is holding  an anti-bullying week annually to  raise awareness; provide self-help intervention; and fight against public stigma about bullying. As part of the trauma community, we held responsible for fulfilling this mission. According to UNICEF, school violence has posed dangerous detrimental effects on both  psychological and physical adolescent’s health: Physical injury, Anxiety, Depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts. *   Victims of bullying in their childhood are more susceptible to bullying at work when they grow up. *   Globally, 150 millions of students -aged 13 to 15- report experiencing peer-to-peer violence in and out of school. *  Around 720 million school-aged children live in countries where they are not fully protected by law from corporal punishment at school. More information about UNICEF anti-bullying week [https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f9ba0819c7583343b17f303ee016beafd5f3d6a913ea6d3d113ea009190a8cc2JmltdHM9MTczMTM2OTYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=00b3ce66-48c7-689a-2986-de5449a1699a&psq=UNICEF+ANTI-BULLYING+WEEK&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudW5pY2VmLm9yZy51ay9yaWdodHMtcmVzcGVjdGluZy1zY2hvb2xzL3Jlc291cmNlcy90ZWFjaGluZy1yZXNvdXJjZXMvZ3VpZGFuY2UtYXNzZW1ibGllcy1sZXNzb25zL2FydGljbGUtb2YtdGhlLXdlZWsvYXJ0aWNsZS1vZi10aGUtd2Vla19hbnRpLWJ1bGx5aW5nLXdlZWsv&ntb=1]  If you see other people currently facing bullying, or currently experiencing bullying, please reach out for reliable help such as calling national hotlines, reporting to authorities.  If you have trauma about bullying, this is the perfect place for you, as we hold a discussion on Monday weekly, which offers anonymity, empathy, and understanding. Discussion What can parents,teachers, and peers do to prevent bullying? What laws must be passed to protect victims of bullying? How can we deal with trauma about bullying? This post was written by a member of the Trauma Sub-Community Writing Team. You can find a masterpost with all the posts of this team linked here. [https://www.7cups.com/forum/trauma/General_2433/MasterpostPostsoftheTraumaSupportWritingTeam_302010/] If you want to join the team, please apply here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvQvG68iPbXl6ZNfZzxs4nYMAcP5RXCp8Ngt7gNPmJ0qnahw/viewform]. Also, please comment if you want to be tagged in future posts.
psychological torture
by IdeasOfReference
Last post
 August 24th
...See more I've had some involvement with police recently, but never been charged with anything since then I've been persistently and relentlessly harassed, bullied, antagonised, provoked, abused, etc by my family, friends, neighbours, and even health practitioners (!) and I've had to totally isolate myself from people to try to stay safe so instead I try to go online to find connection, and wouldn't you know it, I've been getting the same thing, everywhere I go, especially in places intended for "support" it appears that the goal is to completely isolate me from any genuine support as some kind of cruel, disgusting torture it's been going on for well over 2 years and there is no sign of it abating it's even happening right here this post will likely go unanswered, because withholding is one of the main methods in use imagine being a voluntary participant in such a sick, evil, illegal torture operation
Bullying and anxiety about being vulnerable/authentic
by casiopea3199
Last post
 June 5th
...See more I went through a pretty traumatic bullying experience around ten. I had a best friend who I loved and trusted more than anything who started telling me I was disgusting, a monster, evil, that I deserved to d ie, and telling this to my other friends too, then turning around and acting like it never happened or she was sorry, then it starting all over again. It continued for a year and a half until she left, and moved without an apology. My parents had me in counseling that young because I was so afraid of making new friends and meeting other people I just didn't speak. When I did get enough confidence to do that, I would get very excited about my friends, want to talk to them all the time, fixate on certain interests of mine and talk about them a lot. I think it annoyed people or wore on them somehow. So the friends I did make would often snap at me. They would tell me to shut up, that I was obnoxious, annoying, overbearing, Some even continued to tell me to o ff myself, and it was very hurtful. Every time it was when I thought I could trust people with my personal experiences and share with them, but I really couldn't in reality without being criticized or made fun of. I still remember that the guy at our school, who got the superlative for like "nicest person" or whatever told me "this is why no one likes you, you literally never shut up about you stupid class" when I was talking about how much i liked my one course i was in. The nicest person did that, apparently. It was painful. So eventually I think I got to a point where I stopped opening up to people about things I actually enjoyed or wanted to say, because I just assumed they didn't want to hear it. I'm now an adult and a very reserved person with my emotions, and I don't open up much. I'm afraid to tell people what's really on my mind because I don't want to get hurt or judged or attacked again, and because I don't want to come across as someone unlikeable. It scares me to open up to people even if they seem very very safe, especially if they are more outgoing and social people, because they remind me of the people who were so friendly to everyone, but then really cruel to me I guess. I'm afraid because I just have this gut feeling that they can't really be that nice, they must be lying or tricking me and will get angry with the way I am eventually. Are there any tips people have for feeling less afraid of opening up to people, and being authentic and vulnerable, after being hurt specifically for being so outgoing and authentic for so long? I want to change and feel more free to express myself without being so afraid, I'm going into a new romantic relationship and want to be more true to myself this time around and not so scared to be judged all the time, and I also think it will make it easier for me to make friends and build connections.
Some pretty extreme bullying
by Torean
Last post
 May 14th
...See more I had a "friend" when I was a kid, age 5-7 or so, but I don't even know what to make of it all today. He lived two houses down, and we had the same classes, so we used to hang out. Sometimes it would be fun, but mostly, it really wasn't. He reminded me of Shredder from the original Ninja Turtles cartoon, because he had an evil scheme everyday and never ran out of ideas. Usually it would involve him spending a long time to convince me to do something with him that could get us in trouble. Other times, it was worse. One time he stabbed himself with a toy and convinced me he was dead and I ended up calling emergency. One time, he had a capgun and started shooting at me... I didn't even know those existed, and while I was crying and begging for my life, he held it to my head and said "you breathe, you die.". Also, he was in karate and loved to lock me in a room and try to make me defend myself while he proceeded to beat me up. This must've happened about 20 times, and I'd be crying and refusing to defend myself. One time I finally snapped and caught him off guard... I almost put him in the hospital. It was even worse sometimes... He'd want me to destroy anything in my room that looked remotely sentimental. Also, I was a weird nerdy kid that knew the capital of every state and country and what the flags looked like. Grownups would quiz me, until he somehow talked me into purposely answering wrong. Somehow, that was the worst thing. I also remember that when I'd stay the night, he'd be sleeping in a king sized bed that looked like it was made for royalty, while I was given a floor pallet with the most uncomfortable Daffy Duck pillow imaginable. We dropped off contact eventually, but we met up around age 21 to go drinking. He ditched me far from home without a ride after an hour. Anyway, I can't pretend to know how it all effects me to this day. I know that bullying tends to make me project my voice and tell people off to the point that they get scared. If I don't do that, I have a tendency to beat the physically crap out of myself. I've lessened both of those reactions considerably this year, but it never really goes away. I also notice that i can pretty easily sense people's character, and I keep pretty much everyone in the corner of my eye regardless. If something unexpected comes up with someone that isn't good, I tend to spiral and overgeneralize their reaction to feel like everyone probably feels that way about me. Anyways, I don't know what my point is. I don't have specific questions, but I felt like I should share. I might get something from it and so might someone else.
School Abuse
by GreenEasil00
Last post
 May 4th
...See more Treated like crap Isolation pain
Trauma about bullying ( Part II)
by Eitas
Last post
 April 27th
...See more Hi! To those who don't know the context, please check my profile about how i struggled to contact ex-bully... Even though i know it is draining, scary and horrendous even when he is different now. Long story short, he used to apologized to me but because he bullied me for so long ( and many other reason too but i cant figure.. i still struggle to understand myself 7 years ago) Recently, he replied back to me that he is about to take AS-Level exams so he couldn't reply to me and he doesn't understand why i have to message stubbornly to him... As my previous post stated, i want him to help me to resolve this trauma once and for all but i don't know how to express that safely. Especially vulnerability isn't safe and uncomfortable at this time too, for many people who have depression and trauma, do you guy have any idea how should i reply? Many thanks!
If you could say one thing to your bully.....
by
Last post
 February 9th
...See more If you could say one thing to your bully, what would it be?
Tired of PTSD
by DepressesSoul1976
Last post
 October 21st, 2023
...See more I m really hurt I was never treated good by humans n today I was triggeredI saw a dream today n saw that I was treated by people well n had a very good friend which never happened in real I once up n suddenly every flashbacks of traumas started to come before my eyes
trauma advice?
by affableApricot6594
Last post
 October 6th, 2023
...See more tw: assault earlier last year i was physically assaulted by someone who was previously my friend. he really hurt me, and i've been scarred for months. the thing is, the only person who believed me was my mom. all other adults i opened up to said that boys would be boys and that i would have to switch schools to cope with wanting to avoid him. he was still included in my friend group even after this, and our mutual friends didn't really care (one did, but only cause he had a thing for me and stopped defending me after i rejected him). i've lacked a lot of validation in my experience and feelings. does anyone have any coping skills, advice, or words of encouragement?
Dealing with toxic relative - need prayers
by Romona789789
Last post
 September 28th, 2023
...See more I honestly don't know where to start. My CPTSD makes it difficult for me to assert myself and most of my trauma has come from family members. And now I have to live with one of such a relative and I feel so suffocated. The depressing feelings I used to have as a childhood, I am kind of in control of them for the past 3-4 years, but coming to stay with this relative, is such a challenge for me. I am unable to concentrate, and they don't want me to go out at all, because they stay at home themselves, so having me like a prisoner seems great to them. This person knows the trauma I have been through and at one point in my life acted as if they were on my side. So they know exactly what to do to trigger me. This is so difficult for me, I can't find the courage to be my original happy self. I am stuck, I don't know what to do. I don't want to pity my existence, but I don't really know what to do. My brain is just stuck somewhere. But I want to get out of this rut. 🤕
Anyone know how to build up self esteem?
by HidaYasu
Last post
 September 11th, 2023
...See more So a long time ago I went through a very hard period where some ex friends of mine turned on me and started treating me badly. It took a while to recover and I'm still not really 100%. I still have weaknesses and certain triggers, and honestly my brain just wants to escape into my books and stories and never come out. Here's the thing: I want to make a story about what happened to me during that time. It's not actually about them, but I've seen the pattern of what happened to me happening to other people too, and it feels like an epidemic. I want to publish the story to show what's culturally wrong with America and what needs to change. My issue is the arguments and controversy. Once I'm published I know those people are going to come back to haunt me and try to bully me again. Or even strangers on the internet are going to troll or fight or bully me over what happened. But I know it will only hurt me if I'm still "hurt" over the bully's comments and if my self esteem is already low. Has anyone rebuilt their self esteem after trauma? Have you undone the damage and gotten a healthy, happy and strong view of yourself?

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