Not sure if this is okay
Im a sexual abuse victim. When I have flashbacks, I stress a lot and feel depressed for the next 2-4 days. I cope by watching clips from popular shows where the lead has a similar experience and tells what happend to them when they were abused and how their friends console them. Is this perverse? The only reason I do that is to console myself vicariously by how they're consoled.
@grayowl035 I am very sorry that you went through the abuse. It is not something that anyone deserves. It is understandable that you still feel anxious about it and that it makes you feel depressed. After experiencing something traumatic and violating like sexual assault, it can leave you with lots of raw emotions. Trauma has a way of sinking it's teeth into you.
When it comes to trauma, there is no 'one size fits all' coping mechanism. Everyone copes in their own way and in their own time. Perhaps you watch TV shows where the lead have had similiar experiences as you, because you can relate to it and it makes you feel connected. You may find your own experiences being validated when you see the lead opening up and being supported by their friends in the TV show.
You too deserve a safe environment to open up and to feel validated and supported. 💖
@grayOwl035 Sorry for the typing error in the tag!
@hillsideblues thanks a lot for your words ❤️
@grayOwl035
I am right there with you. I do the exact same thing. My therapist has said that it is my looking for some commonality with others so I don't feel so alone and there is no one way to deal with the trauma. I did find some comfort and get some ideas on how to pull myself out of my do nothing after a panic attack mindset when I went to a woman's sexual assault group therapy.
@akay06 oh I'm sorry you had to go through that, and thanks for describing this to me. I thought I was the only person who did this.
