In Her Own Words
To those who follow in my footsteps...
- It’s hard work, but don’t give up!
- Take your time.
- Ask for help and guidance.
- Talk to people who have been through sexual abuse.
- Know that you aren’t alone.
- Be a little more honest each time, especially with your feelings.
- Keep coming back to support group!
Generated by Support Group members, who create a circle of honest, warm, nonjudgmental support.
Healing is...
- Letting safe people "in."
- Not allowing the sexual abuse to define and label me.
- Not craving drugs and alcohol (to numb the pain).
- Not turning “negative” feelings inward on myself.
- Learning to be comfortable with my feelings.
- Learning to express my feelings.
- Telling the Truth.
- Overcoming my fear of abandonment.
Generated by Support Group members, who are courageously working on all of these things.
When it feels overwhelming...
- Don’t give up!
- Keep breathing
- Call a friend, your counsellor, or a crisis line.
- Call all three if you need to!
- Cry.
- Sleep.
- Watch movies.
- Write poetry, journal.
- Go hang out with friends.
- Ask for help!
- Go for a walk/run.
- Pet your cat/dog, or a friend’s.
- Eat ice cream.
- Take a shower/bath to relax.
- Remember – these feelings will pass!
- Remember – feelings can’t kill us!
- Remember – it’s not your fault!
Generated by Support Group members, who find the courage to walk their healing paths.
During my healing process, I learned...
- The abuse was not my fault.
- I am not alone.
- I am a strong, resilient person.
- I can speak up for myself.
- I deserve to focus on my healing.
Generated by Support Group members, who are courageously living this Truth.
We are gratefully acknowledge permission of the following website for this resource: http://www.thehealingcenter.org/survivors/for-survivors-from-survivors.aspx
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