Still stuck here— Just Reaching Out for Support
I’m a survivor of grooming, abuse, and long-term systemic failure. And I’m still stuck in the same area where it all happened. Every day here feels like surviving, not healing. It’s exhausting.
The systems that were meant to protect me enabled the harm. Social services ignored the signs. People looked away. I’ve carried that weight alone for too long.
I know I deserve a fresh start, but it’s been so hard — emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I’m still fighting. I just need a bit of support right now — even just kindness or encouragement.
If you’ve ever been through this… how did you keep going? How did you hold onto hope in a place that holds your pain?
Thank you for reading. 💜
@imaginativeMaple749 hello Maple - I can't even begin to express how saddened I was on reading what had happened to you: to have been subject to abuse while those who were in a position to intervene is shocking failure at the systemic level. It is unsurprising that you're still in survival mode which, while you're still in the same triggering circumstances as before, will indeed feel like you're alone in carrying an immeasurably heavy weight. I don't know if there's anyone in real life you can reach out to, but just wanted to highlight that in addition to the forums for support and encouragement, there is a trauma support chatroom here for real-time live chat with other people who've been through trauma themselves. I also wanted to mention the Transforming Trauma growth path, which looks at modifying our brain's response to triggers so we can begin to realise that we are now safe, and to calm the old fear reactions we still experience. Thank you for reaching out on the forums Maple; you're not alone as we're here for you.
https://www.7cups.com/path/playlist/transforming-trauma/
Oh wow thankyou so much for taking the time to read my post. And thankyou for the support I’m so appreciative of the warmth of the groups and so glad to have found somewhere I can go and feel safe,even if it’s tough at times to believe this with always being in survival mode it’s soul destroying at times it’s refreshing to actually speak to others that are not out to get you😭 sorry I don’t mean to be so down and out, I will for sure go and have a look at those groups as it would be good to get some help or even just supporting hugs 🤗 and also give back. I hope you are well honestly thankyou so so much I hope I can give back and help others too 💜 🤗
You are not a lone, I am coming out of trauma as an adult, survivor of dv, being exploited without knowing and systematic failure, and still feeling like now I really have no one, but I know it’s few and very selected, but everyone still has to go one with their daily life and the biggest reflection I feel going on in my life right now I feel like I’ll look back on this and say I did it, and you will too, it may feel the world is weighing down on you, and the exhaustion but that’s resilience.
I recently have been going outside and ground during the mornings, I practice breathing techniques and focus on the moment, I’ve started back journaling that makes me feel less dissociated through this all and music has been my shield and still is until now.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with such honesty. It means a lot to know I’m not the only one feeling this way. I can really relate to what you said about the exhaustion and feeling like the world is weighing down, but still somehow keeping going, that really spoke to me.
I admire how you’re grounding yourself through nature, journaling, and music, those little moments of peace can feel like lifelines when everything else is overwhelming. I’m still learning how to find those moments I have started journaling and meditation also yoga, it’s not the easiest process especially with me being still in the town that has and still is doing the Same, but your message has encouraged me to keep going. Wishing you continued strength and gentle moments of healing. We’re both still here, still standing, and that matters. 💜 hopefully now help as many others as possible and once healed and out of survival help even more. 🤗
@imaginativeMaple749 know that your past and trauma has nothing to do with who you are, it is not who you are, and it doesn’t define you, and it DOES NOT mean your future is doomed.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. It truly means a lot to hear this right now. I’m still finding it really hard some days to believe in a future beyond all the pain and betrayal and some still ongoing due to how hard it is to get out.
but your reminder gives me some hope.
I’m trying to take small steps toward healing and not let the past define me, but it’s scary and lonely sometimes. Your message reminded me that I do deserve better and that the life I want is still possible.
I will keep holding onto that and try to take one step at a time. Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your light. 💜
@imaginativeMaple749 I feel the same. A daily walk can help, or doing a favorite thing to do everyday (without costs), eat delicious food to liven up your mood. Thats what I do...not an expert tho. But I feel the same about feeling stuck.
Thank you for sharing that sometimes it really helps just knowing someone else feels the same way for each person. A walk or a little treat definitely makes a difference, I just need to get out and stop worrying about what might happen as I have been struggling with going out alone it gives me so much anxiety as I always expect the worse and I am hyper vigilant so in constant survival mode,but I will try to do it more even on the heavy days.
You don’t have to be an expert to share what helps you your experiences and ideas might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. And honestly, showing up and sharing your experience takes a lot of courage in itself so thankyou.
I hope you keep finding those small things that brighten your days and eventually find peace, and please know you’re not alone in feeling stuck sometimes. We’ll keep moving forward, one little step at a time. 🌟💜🤗
@imaginativeMaple749 i'm a listening ear. i hope we can be friends.