Sharing **Trigger Alert**

I just wanted to share why I feel this part of the forum is one of my home forums. I can relate to everyone here so much in so many different ways. While our experiences are different, we struggle with similar struggles. I'm not sharing because of being in a rough place now, but because I participate a lot here, I want you to know a little about the traumas I have experienced.

For as long as I can remember until I was 15, I was abused by my father in about every way possible. His abuse resulted in my pregnancy, but when he found out I was nearly 6 months along and he arranged for it to be taken away. I was devestated and I left home and never returned after that. That was the beginning of my decision that death was better than life, and spent approximately the next 15 years trying to die. I came very close 3 times, but God intervened each time. I was so mad then, but so thankful now. Later in college I was sexually assaulted. I went through a hurricane which traumatized me to storms with strong winds and lightening or downed trees. I spent time homeless because I had no clue how to live on my own since my parents had never taught me to care for me. I experienced medical issues where I nearly died. Because of where I worked at one point, I witnessed a shooting in the street outside the office.

When I finally went to treatment for all the trauma, I struggled to even open up. But once we began to work, I began to find hope. Then I began to find my voice. I went back to college and was able to have a successful career. It was after that, I chose to spend the rest of my life turning my horrors into something productive, and to not let survivors of trauma walk the journey of healing alone. I co-founded a non-profit for trauma support, and between there and here, this forum is one of my homes.... you're not alone.

No matter what your trauma there is hope. This is a good place to share your story, to reach for understanding and hope even if you don't share what happened with any details at all. The common effects of trauma (PTSD, Dissociation and more) can be talked about in this community. Those who participate here share with you the pain of your experiences. Don't ever give up! You are stronger than your trauma. You can get through this.