14. TRAUMA TALK

For way too long we have been scared to talk about our trauma. For fear of judgement, or shame and embarrassment. But let me tell you something, you are not at fault. You have nothing to be ashamed of, or embarrassed about. In fact, you are a brave survivor.

Why is that we, as a society, are so quick to judge and victim blame or victim shame? We are so dismissive about anything that makes us remotely uncomfortable; or when reality is too honest and truthful, and doesn't fit into the picture perfect world we try to live in. Well, here's a reality check for anyone that needs it - the world is not perfect. People are not perfect, and bad things happen. Instead of sweeping it all under the rug, we should be embracing it, and talking about it. It's not about seeking attention, or sympathy or pity. It's about healing. It's about mental health. It's about grieving for our lost innocence. So please, let's normalize trauma talk.

My heart breaks for my friend right now as I am learning her story. As a survivor of child molestation and sexual assault, she was kept silent for too many years. And when she was finally brave enough to come forward, no one believed her. No one did anything to help her. How fucked up is our world that we allow abusers to walk free with no consequences? While they get to roam around free, playing the powerful king, brain-washing everyone around them, their victims are the ones scarred, living in fear, dealing with lifelong trauma. How is it okay that as a trauma victim, we are the ones that need to provide the burden of truth, and not the abuser? Oh right, "innocent until proven guilty". How fantastic for the master-manipulator that knows the right people to pay off, and the right puppet strings to pull. Where is the justice for trauma survivors that have to live with their pain? Where is the justice for all people that had to hide their story from the world to please someone else?

Trauma doesn't just go away. Just because it happened years ago, doesn't mean it's forgotten. It just means we've learned how to live with the aftermath. And just because we appear fine to the world, doesn't mean we are inside. Without proper support, we cannot survive. Without talking about it out loud and releasing all that pressure and weight we've built up inside, we can't heal. So let's talk. I'm listening.