#ptsdrecovery

[neuropsychiatristdrzainiahmed]

Understanding the Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after someone experiences a deeply disturbing or life-threatening event. PTSD can affect anyone, and its impact can be long-lasting. Below, we explore some common causes of PTSD:

1. Serious Accidents or Injuries

Experiencing or witnessing serious accidents, whether it's a car crash, a natural disaster, or a workplace accident, can lead to PTSD. The trauma of being in or seeing such situations can create lasting emotional and psychological scars.

2. Sudden Loss of a Loved One

Losing someone close unexpectedly, whether due to an accident, illness, or violence, can create profound grief and trauma. The suddenness of the loss may leave an individual struggling to come to terms with the event, leading to PTSD symptoms.

3. Sexual or Physical Assault

Victims of sexual or physical assault are at a higher risk of developing PTSD. The trauma of such experiences can have a lasting effect, impacting an individual’s sense of safety, trust, and well-being.

4. Witnessing Trauma

Sometimes, it's not the event itself but witnessing a traumatic incident that can lead to PTSD. Seeing someone else suffer, whether through violence, an accident, or another distressing event, can trigger a psychological response in some individuals.

5. Childbirth

For some women, childbirth can be a traumatic experience. Complications, medical emergencies, or even the psychological stress of the event can lead to PTSD symptoms. The impact of such trauma can extend beyond physical recovery and affect emotional well-being.

6. War

Serving in or witnessing the atrocities of war is a well-known cause of PTSD. The extreme stress, violence, and life-threatening situations associated with combat leave lasting psychological scars that can last long after the person returns home.

If you're experiencing symptoms of PTSD or are struggling with the impact of trauma, it's important to seek professional support. Dr. Zaini Ahmed, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), is available for consultations at Sukoon Heart and Mind Care, Sainik Market, Main Road, Ranchi, Jharkhand: 834001. You can reach her at 6200784486 from Monday to Saturday, 12 PM to 3 PM.

Remember, reaching out for help is a positive step towards healing. Don't hesitate to take the first step in your recovery journey.

[little-rock-wellness]

Caring for Those Who Have Experienced Trauma: Tips for Family and Friends

Understanding Trauma: What It Is and How It Affects People

Trauma happens when something bad happens and it's too much for someone to handle. It can have a profound impact on a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Trauma comes in different types, like acute trauma from one event, or complex trauma from repeated exposure. People who have experienced trauma often have intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. They may also avoid reminders of the trauma and become hypervigilant. Additionally, their mood and behaviour can change, and they may feel irritable. These symptoms can significantly affect a person's daily functioning and quality of life.

The Importance of Listening: How to Be a Supportive Listener for Trauma Survivors

One of the most important ways to support trauma survivors is by being a good listener. Active listening techniques can help create a safe and supportive environment for survivors to share their experiences. This includes giving your full attention, maintaining eye contact, nodding or using other non-verbal cues to show understanding, and asking open-ended questions to encourage further discussion. It is crucial to avoid judgment and criticism when listening to trauma survivors. They may have experienced events that are difficult for others to understand or relate to. Instead of offering advice or opinions, it is important to provide validation and empathy. Letting survivors know that their feelings and experiences are valid can help them feel heard and understood.

Creating a Safe Space: Tips for Making Trauma Survivors Feel Comfortable and Secure

Creating a safe space is essential when supporting trauma survivors. This includes both physical and emotional safety. Physically, it is important to ensure that the environment is free from potential triggers or reminders of the traumatic event. This may involve removing certain objects or adjusting the lighting and temperature to create a calming atmosphere. Emotionally, it is crucial to create a non-judgmental environment where survivors feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Respecting boundaries and privacy is also important in creating a safe space. People who have experienced trauma may have their own preferences for personal space and privacy. It is crucial to honour these boundaries.

Dealing with Triggers: How to Help Trauma Survivors Manage Their Triggers

Triggers are stimuli that remind trauma survivors of their traumatic experiences and can elicit intense emotional or physical reactions. Common triggers include certain sounds, smells, sights, or situations that are reminiscent of the traumatic event. It is important to help trauma survivors identify their triggers and develop coping strategies to manage them. Coping strategies for managing triggers can include deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques, engaging in activities that promote relaxation or distraction, and seeking support from trusted individuals. It is important to encourage survivors to communicate their triggers and needs so that appropriate measures can be taken to help them feel safe and supported.

Coping Strategies: Techniques for Helping Trauma Survivors Cope with Their Emotions

Coping strategies are essential for trauma survivors to manage their emotions and navigate the healing process. Self-care techniques, such as engaging in activities that promote relaxation, practising mindfulness or meditation, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet can help survivors regulate their emotions and reduce stress. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, can help trauma survivors calm their minds and bodies during times of distress. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counselling, can also be beneficial in providing trauma survivors with the necessary tools and support to cope with their emotions.

The Power of Validation: Why It's Important to Validate Trauma Survivors' Experiences

Validation is the act of acknowledging and accepting someone's thoughts, feelings, and experiences as valid and real. It is a powerful tool in supporting trauma survivors as it helps them feel heard, understood, and validated. Validating trauma survivors' experiences can help them regain a sense of self-worth and reduce feelings of shame or self-blame. Providing validation involves actively listening to survivors' stories without judgement or criticism. It involves acknowledging their pain and suffering and expressing empathy and understanding. Validating trauma survivors' experiences can help them feel less alone and more supported in their healing journey.

Helping Trauma Survivors Seek Professional Help: How to Encourage Them to Get the Support They Need

Professional help is often necessary for trauma survivors to fully heal and recover from their traumatic experiences. However, many survivors may face barriers to seeking help, such as stigma, fear, or lack of access to resources. It is important to encourage and support trauma survivors in seeking professional help. Emphasising the importance of professional help and providing information about available resources can help survivors understand that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Offering to accompany them to appointments or helping them research therapists or support groups can also provide practical support in accessing professional help.

Self-Care for Caregivers: Why It's Important to Take Care of Yourself When Supporting Trauma Survivors

Supporting trauma survivors can be emotionally demanding and challenging. Caregivers may experience secondary trauma or compassion fatigue as a result of their work. Caregivers must prioritise self-care to maintain their well-being and continue providing effective support to trauma survivors. Common challenges for caregivers include feeling overwhelmed, experiencing burnout, and neglecting their own needs. Self-care strategies for caregivers can include setting boundaries, practising self-compassion, seeking support from others, engaging in activities that bring joy or relaxation, and taking regular breaks to rest and recharge.

Understanding Boundaries: How to Respect Trauma Survivors' Boundaries and Needs

Boundaries are essential in supporting trauma survivors as they help create a sense of safety and control. Respecting trauma survivors' boundaries involves understanding and acknowledging their needs and preferences regarding personal space, privacy, and emotional intimacy. Establishing and respecting boundaries can be achieved through open communication and active listening. It is important to ask survivors about their boundaries and preferences and to honour their requests. Respecting boundaries can help trauma survivors feel safe and supported in their healing journey.

Celebrating Progress: Why It's Important to Acknowledge and Celebrate Trauma Survivors' Progress and Achievements

Acknowledging and celebrating the progress and achievements of trauma survivors is an important part of the healing process. It helps survivors recognise their strength, resilience, and growth and reinforces positive changes in their lives. Celebrating progress can involve acknowledging small victories, such as completing a therapy session or trying a new coping strategy. It can also involve recognizing larger milestones, such as reaching a specific goal or overcoming a significant challenge. Celebrating progress can help trauma survivors feel proud of their accomplishments and motivated to continue their healing journey.

Conclusion

Supporting trauma survivors is crucial in helping them heal from their traumatic experiences. To support trauma survivors, we need to listen to them, understand their experiences, and create a safe space. We can also assist them in managing triggers, teaching coping skills, and validating their feelings. Encouraging them to seek professional help and practising self-care as caregivers is important, too. Respecting their boundaries and celebrating their progress can make a positive impact on their lives. Supporting trauma survivors is an ongoing process. Each person's healing journey is unique and important. You can find therapy, support groups, and helplines to get more support and information.

[guzmanlawfirm1]

Recovering Damages for Emotional Distress in Florida Truck Accident Cases

If you have recently been involved in a truck accident in Florida, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. The aftermath of such an event can leave not only physical injuries but also emotional distress. It’s common to feel confused, worried, and uncertain about your future. It is important to know that if emotional distress is a part of your recovery, you do not have to face this challenge alone. The road to recovery may seem complicated, but with the right support, you can secure the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Emotional Distress in Truck Accident Cases

Emotional distress refers to the mental and emotional impact that an accident can have on an individual. This type of distress can include symptoms like anxiety, depression, nightmares, and feelings of fear, helplessness, or sadness. In truck accident cases, the emotional toll on the victims can be significant, often making it difficult for them to move forward. Whether you have been directly involved in the accident or have suffered due to witnessing it, these feelings are real, and they deserve attention.

When an accident involves a large truck, the severity of the collision and the potential for serious injuries are higher. This increase in harm often leads to a greater emotional toll on victims and their families. The psychological impact can linger long after the physical wounds have healed. This makes it essential to understand how the law addresses emotional distress and how it can be factored into a compensation claim.

Can You Recover Damages for Emotional Distress in Florida?

In Florida, emotional distress is considered a valid form of damage that can be claimed in personal injury lawsuits, including truck accident cases. Under Florida law, you may be entitled to recover damages for emotional distress if you can prove that the emotional suffering was caused by the accident. This is typically considered in conjunction with other damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It is important to note that emotional distress is not automatically compensated in every case. You will need to provide evidence that shows the emotional trauma was a direct result of the accident. This could include testimonies from medical professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, who can validate your emotional suffering. It is also essential to document how the emotional distress has affected your daily life, relationships, and ability to perform everyday tasks.

How to Prove Emotional Distress in Truck Accident Cases

Proving emotional distress in a truck accident case can be challenging. Unlike physical injuries, emotional distress is not something that can be measured with a simple medical test or X-ray. Therefore, it is essential to work closely with an attorney who understands how to gather and present the right evidence.

One of the most effective ways to prove emotional distress is through testimony from mental health professionals. These professionals can provide an expert opinion on how the accident has affected your mental state. They may conduct psychological evaluations or therapy sessions to help identify the symptoms and severity of your emotional distress. Their findings can be crucial in supporting your case.

In addition to professional testimony, your own personal account of how the accident has impacted your life can also play a significant role. Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings can help document the emotional toll over time. It is also helpful to provide evidence of how the distress has disrupted your everyday activities, such as work, social interactions, and family life.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Emotional Distress Claims

Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be one of the most stressful aspects of the process. Insurance companies may not always prioritize your emotional distress claims, focusing primarily on physical injuries and economic losses. This is why it is essential to have an attorney on your side who understands how to navigate these claims effectively.

Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your emotional distress, suggesting that it is not as significant as your physical injuries or that it is unrelated to the accident. However, emotional distress can be just as real and impactful as any physical injury. With the right legal team, you can ensure that your emotional suffering is given the attention it deserves.

Factors That Affect the Amount of Damages for Emotional Distress

The amount of damages you may receive for emotional distress in a truck accident case depends on several factors. These factors include the severity of the emotional trauma, how long it has lasted, and how much it affects your ability to function in your daily life. The more significant the emotional distress, the higher the potential for compensation.

For example, if you are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the accident, the damages may be more substantial. PTSD is a serious condition that can significantly impact your ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities. If the emotional distress is long-lasting and requires ongoing therapy or treatment, the damages may be higher as well.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the responsible party acted recklessly or with intentional disregard for safety. For instance, if the truck driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, punitive damages could be awarded in addition to other forms of compensation.

How the Guzman Firm Can Help with Your Emotional Distress Claim

At The Guzman Firm, we understand that truck accidents can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Our team is here to provide the support you need during this challenging time. We are empathetic to the feelings of confusion, worry, and stress that often accompany such cases. We know that recovering from an accident involves more than just physical healing—it is also about addressing the emotional pain that can arise as a result.

Our goal is to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. We will work closely with you to gather the necessary evidence, including medical records, psychological evaluations, and personal accounts of your emotional distress. With our experience and understanding of Florida law, we can advocate on your behalf to ensure that your emotional suffering is properly recognized and compensated.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Florida and is suffering from emotional distress, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the process of recovering the damages you deserve. You do not have to go through this journey alone. At The Guzman Firm, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal complexities and achieve a successful case result.

[thepsychologycompass]

Understanding Factors That Cause Mental Health Issues

Mental health plays a vital role in how we think, feel, and live our daily lives. However, many factors can contribute to mental health challenges, often varying from person to person.

Some common factors include:

Stressful Life Situations: Financial struggles, family conflicts, or workplace stress can trigger anxiety or depression.

Genetics: A family history of mental health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing similar issues.

Trauma: Experiences such as abuse, accidents, or natural disasters often lead to long-term mental health challenges.

Substance Misuse: Drug and alcohol use can significantly affect brain function, worsening mental health conditions.

Physical Health Problems: Chronic pain or thyroid issues can exacerbate emotional distress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, seeking professional help is crucial. Darling Psychology offers counseling, therapy, and telehealth services in Huntington Beach, California, addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

Read more: Factors That Cause Mental Health Issues

[avagraceyblog]

The Hidden War: How PTSD Triggers Devastating Panic Attacks

If you’re battling the overwhelming cycle of PTSD and panic attacks, you’re not alone. The relentless fear and sudden waves of anxiety can feel like a war within, but there is hope. Understanding the connection between trauma and these intense episodes is the first step toward healing. Discover effective strategies and treatments that can bring you relief and peace of mind. Don’t let PTSD and panic attacks control your life. Click here to learn more and take the first step toward recovery.

[ndissydney]

Top 5 NDIS Mental Health Providers in Sydney 🌟

Finding the right support for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD can be challenging. Our guide highlights Sydney’s best NDIS mental health providers, including Reliable Care, Kuremara, and others, offering tailored services to enhance independence and quality of life.

Discover how to choose the right provider for your needs and start your journey toward recovery.

[creativecanva]

Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Well-Being

Mental health is as important as physical health, yet it often receives less attention. Mental health awareness aims to educate individuals about the significance of mental well-being, dispel myths surrounding mental health issues, and encourage people to seek support when needed. With the prevalence of mental health conditions increasing worldwide, understanding the topic and fostering open conversations have become essential.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges faced due to stigma, common mental health conditions, and actionable strategies to promote mental well-being. Let’s work together to create a more understanding and compassionate world.

For more detail click on

[empowermh]

Improving Mental Health in New York with Mpower Psychiatric Services

The conversation around mental health in New York is growing, and so is the need for accessible, quality care. At Empower Psychiatric Services, we offer a range of mental health services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community in Syracuse, NY. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD, our team is here to provide the support and treatment you deserve.

Why Choose Us?

Patient-Centered Approach: Your voice matters in creating your treatment plan.

Experienced Providers: Board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists.

Flexible Appointments: In-person and telehealth options for your convenience.

Take charge of your mental health today. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you live a healthier, happier life.

Visit us at: Website: https://empowermh.net/ Location: Syracuse, NY, 13021 Phone: +13159170008

[renewhealthcenters]

Comprehensive Mental Health Services at Renew Health Center

At Renew Health Center, San Antonio, TX, you can get professional mental health services for yourself and your family. Supported by our experienced managers, victor labrado and hayden castillo, our team focuses on such patients, at least six years of age. Some of the problems we address involve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic stress disorder, and Substance use disorder issues, among others and we do so with understanding coupled with evidenced treatment regimens. Being able to book an appointment on the day or the very next day is important to you, and it’s important to us too – especially when you need assistance fast. From the assessment of adhd to controlling moods ,we have professionals who are willing to help.

Read more: Mental Health

[ameliawilson0245]

Discover Hope with Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy is a groundbreaking treatment offering new hope for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Backed by science and delivered by experts, it’s transforming lives one session at a time. Take the first step toward healing and reclaim your joy today.

[thepsychologycompass]

Filing for Short-Term Disability in California

Short-term disability insurance is essential for Californians unable to work due to illness or injury. The State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, managed by the Employment Development Department (EDD), offers up to 52 weeks of benefits to eligible individuals.

To qualify, you must:

Be unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury.

Be employed or seeking work at the time of disability.

Have earned at least $300 in wages with SDI deductions during the base period.

Applying for SDI benefits involves submitting a claim to the EDD, which requires medical certification from a healthcare provider. At Darling Psychology, we simplify this process. Our team evaluates whether you qualify under California's guidelines and assists you with the application process.

Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, trauma, or another condition, Darling Psychology ensures you focus on recovery while we guide you through filing for benefits.

Read more: Filing for Short Term Disability in California

[infinity-state]

Understanding Mental Illness: 06

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect people of all ages and often involves reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares.

Symptoms:

Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, or nightmares.

Avoidance: Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic event.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Negative thoughts about oneself or others, feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, and feeling detached from family and friends.

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, irritability, angry outbursts, and trouble sleeping or concentrating.

Connecting with Someone with PTSD:

Be Patient: Understand that their healing process may take time, and avoid rushing them.

Provide a Safe Space: Ensure they feel safe and secure when they’re with you.

Encourage Open Communication: Let them share their experiences at their own pace.

Avoid Triggers: Be mindful of their triggers and avoid exposing them to these without their consent.

Encourage Professional Help: Support them in seeking therapy or counseling if needed.

[truecampbell]

Yes. true.

[highemotionscotian]

Mishandled Justice; Putting the Pieces Back Together After Trauma

/First Entry

seemingly endless doom scrolling watching videos online I occasionally stumble upon the side of the world wide web where there's a kind side. Some genuine folk just doin' their best. I have been scared and angry and alone so long I really think I forgot there are kind souls out there, Dearest Reader, I hope you are one of those good people 💙

For a long time I thought I was okay being alone. Lately there's been a overwhelming void and between you and me, I think may be humanity I've been missin'. I know it's more trendy to put this on TicTok, dang I tried however putting myself on camera is uncomfortable in a way I'm not sure yet how to describe, all the same I need to start letting some things out. I would love to be brave enough to share my life with the world like the fabulous content creators that have kept me company over the years but every time I try, I find an excuse not to; my house isn't clean enough. My forehead is too big, my body is too big. I wouldn't be funny enough, I wouldn't be interesting enough. I wouldn't be enough. Would be too much. Heck I even thought I wasn't rich enough to be on Tic Tok. I don't have a nice hair cut or fancy clothes to do one of those 'fit checks' they're dong and the only time my phone rings is a bill collector, what business did I have of sharing my dirty laundry online being in the state I've been in. It's that thinking that has kept me stuck in life.

I don't know who I am anymore. At the risk of sounding too dramatic, it is as if I have awoken from a living, psychological coma unsure of myself or my surroundings. So while I learn who I am and how to get comfortable in front of a camera my relaunch into the realm of social media will start by blogging.

Do I feel like know what I'm doing? Nope! This will be a learning experience with no determined destination or set conclusion. It will be chaotic. Y'all are invited to come along. One joy of writing and throwing it out there, no one has to read it if they don't want to. Unlike a real life conversation, I won't be distracted by your face worried I have said the wrong thing, or said to much, offended or bored you. I am a modern hermit living with complex post traumatic stress disorder and have been experiencing noticeable symptoms akin to ADHD. I am not sure how many times I have tried to 'start over' in life and failed, I've lost count. I have wanted and tried to change but doing it alone isn't working, so here we are now.

I’ve never told my story publicly. Not really. As I attempted put my life back together over and over and take up space in the world I would feel a bit like a fraud. As if it's this big shameful secret I must hide when in reality it's been gagging me getting in the way of speaking and success. I know I could have a beautiful life if I could just get out of my own way, out of my own head, and out of this dang house.

I have to put all the puzzle pieces together, finally get it all out so then maybe I can find peace and put it all behind me. I had posted some details about the events on my Facebook over the years as it all played out. I would share a summary to family and friends and it made a few news headlines, yet so many factors stopped me from sharing the raw truth of it all.

The weight of shame and not wanting to embarrass or hurt my family, I left out so much of what had happened and what I was feeling. When I would try to share how bad things have gotten, the reactions at just a small portion of the whole truth were bad enough I was ashamed of putting it all on tbe table. I had told having my life public would negatively affect my chances of getting a good job, chastised it would ruin my reputation if I cussed or used words like 'rape' or 'sexual assault' online. I still tried, to find strangers commenting on the news stories about my body, my character they knew nothing of, gossip that the evidence was fraudulent and I just wanted attention. After time went by and I had heard the “get over it’s” and the “time to move on’s” I didn't think my story was worthy of telling, to those more than an arms length away I would be fine and move on. Now still, lack of confidence in myself, low self esteem and fear has kept me from living and telling my story in its entirety.

While the fear of being prosecuted for violating a publication ban on my own name had not stopped me from posting on my own Facebook page, it had effectively silenced me from going public. The risk of a $5,000 fine or up to 2 years in custody for telling my story had removed my voice and a piece of healing I didn't know how very badly I needed.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” - Maya Angelou

I have never really known how to have close friends well. I sometimes wish I had a tribe to be comfortable with. Growing up I was that kid that would secretly cry in the bathrooms when at a friends house. I never understood why I didn't feel like I quite fit in. I’d be apart of a small group, always an introvert, I think I would have liked to have been the emotionally regulated, social sort as an adult where I could have gotten the whole story out already. Perhaps around a bonfire, screaming at the moon, blending tears from sadness and laughing. The last time I was in a social setting that wasn't family was in 2019. It's been lonely. Even years before then I had hid away. In late 2015 I left an abusive relationship and became housebound. Fearful to even venture to my front yard, leaving the bedroom was a daily challenge. Slowly I started to engage in social media, supplementing human connection with strangers on Facebook, where this story will officially begin.

⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️

This blog will cover topics of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, legal misconduct, mental illness and contain corse language. I will make an attempt to censor myself throughout this therapeutic process. Reader’s discretion is strongly advised.

📍Disclaimer

Some names used will be changed for the purposes here. However, all facts of the trial discussed within this saga are public record, and RCMP interactions from the trial and complaints process are documented for verification. All other details are from my own lived experiences, hours of audio recordings, news and magazine articles, emails, and journals.

Now I know a little bit about a lot, but only a lot about a little bit. I will speak about my own experiences as I have lived them and the things I have learned along the way, but I am not an expert in any topic included below. I am such a mess that I hesitate to even call myself an expert in my own life, yet vow to hold to the truth at every step.

Statistic I’d like to share

1 in 3 women in Canada will be sexually assaulted with sexual assault being more common than robbery – Statistics Canada

_____________

There was a blur after I was assaulted when I heard the words “wait here, someone will help you” and part of me has been locked in a psychological waiting room ever since. This is my raw and vulnerable exit speech from that place.Why now?Publication ban laws in Canada prevented me from telling the story how I needed to tell it or attributing my own name to the events that transpired. The journalist who first covered the story, Lindsay Jones, called me ‘Nicole’ and as the trial was ongoing, I was prohibited from speaking about the case in full. I was not aware nor informed a publication ban would be essentially automatically applied restricting my choice to share my story. A publication ban did not prevent the media from using the accused’s full name, personal information and details of the trial, yet the punishment I could face by putting my name to my experiences, or sharing court documents was possible fines of $5,000 and/or up to 2 years in custody. At times I pushed the line of this ban as if daring the courts to charge me so maybe someone with authority would hear my case. I understand and accept by sharing my life I am opening myself up to trolls and keyboard warriors who may believe to know more about my own life than me and will say cruel and hurtful things. I have been threatened, insulated and received messages from other men they would rape me too if they had the chance. Our society is not always kind, this is a fear I shall overcome. This is MY journey to healing. To judge how someone processes trauma or victim blaming says more about their character than anyone else’s. The longer I am alone with the shame, guilt the more I hurt myself and my family. I need to hold space for myself now. Telling my story is how I choose to do that. Please remember when you comment with hatred or cruelty other victims will see it and may not feel safe sharing their own stories, and that’s a gawddamn shame. The story must be whatever length it needs to be to pour it out of my body. It will be long and parts long-winded. I write this for myself as a step in my healing process, you are invited to come along.

In the news they called me ‘Nicole’, that is not my name, but this is my story.

*deep breath*

#ToBeContinued

[jenny-90]

Global Wars & Mental Health- Coming Soon Global wars- It’s impact on Mental health Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorsCouch-sd6ck