Trafficking survivor
I am a survivor of human trafficking thru a gang. I was in that life 15 years and have my own place now and it's new to me. I have a lot anxiety right now about it and feeling like I'm doing something wrong when i am living independently. It feels weird for me. I need support to stay present and focused on how amazing this new life can be
@shan790
I can't imagine what it was like to have lived in that life for 15 years. You're brave to have made it out of and, as you said yourself, you are a not a victim, but a survivor.
Changes, good or bad, can be so scary when you've gotten used to a way of life for a long time. It's okay to feel weird, to feel anxious and all other emotions you're experiencing at the moment. Remember to be gentle with yourself and take your time to adjust to these changes.
I came across an eye-opening article that speaks about coping with big life changes. You can find it here.
We're all here to support you. If you want to talk more about this, feel free to put out a general request or message a listener from the browse listeners page.
Take care❤️
~Sierra
@shan790
Omg! Your such a hero, pulling yourself up out of such a traumatic situation. I'm amazed by your strength. My life's been no picnic but seeing your ability to survive such a situation gives me hope.
Just take it one day at a time and you will start to really feel at home in your new life. You deserve the best of everything life can offer you.
7 cups is a really great place to find support..it's saved me so many times. Ppl here are really understanding and great. Best 💜 ABB
Thank you for your replies. I have been struggling a lot lately and not being able to sleep is usually what gets me.
Any suggestions for sleep??
Music can help me sometimes. I did get meds for sleep because the flashbacks were terrible. Deep breathing excercises sometimes help.
ABB💜
Thanks. I often use music, podcast, tv, all of it. Last night I didnt get any sleep because I panic when i fall asleep slightly.
@shan790
I see my Dr regularly and a therapist weekly. They work together to get me the right meds. Sleep is difficult, flashbacks and dreams bothered me terribly for a long time. Maybe a medication can help you get through this beginning part. It never hurts to ask. Best ABB 💜
It's hard. I can't possibly imagine what that was like for you. This won't be an easy road but it's worth it, you're free now and you deserve this freedom. No one can take it away from you anymore. You're finally safe. 🤗 Never give up working on your mental health, I'm proud of you for being here in the first place. That's amazing! ❤️ Sending you love
Thank you. That's very kind
@shan790
Saying hi, hoping your doing ok. Just wanted you to know your not alone and you have supporters here. I hope your surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. I love to collect comfy pillows and scented soap with great books and just lounge in all that comfort. It helps me alot to make my surroundings at home the best I can with a little bit of $. I look for bargains whenever I can.
Best 💜 ABB
@ABB
I have been able to do that too. I live on site at the Christian ministry program i work at, so it was a beautiful studio room already decorated and furnished for me, such a blessing.
But struggling a lot with my health right now and trying to stay positive
@shan790
Omg I'm so glad you have a great place to stay. I wish you lived at the one near to me I'd pick you up take you shopping and lunch! I'm sure ppl there help you with a routine of plenty of work/ stuff to keep busy with.
I find that helping ppl helps me so much. I go to retirement places and volunteer there. The elderly get so lonely.
I know that no matter what trauma we've been through that the healing chapter is the hardest. I was in survival mode for a long time and now that I'm not my awareness has come to the forefront and that awareness makes me see things I didn't during the surviving.
I'm so proud of you for getting to a safe place and moving forward. Your pretty awesome remember that.
I'm around here if your feeling lonely. I'm praying for you to find peace and happiness.
💜ABB
