You Can Heal From Abuse
I am so glad you found this page. If you are here, it means you want more information for yourself or someone else who wishes to heal from sexual abuse or sexual violence. I want you to know that no matter what happened to you, healing is possible! It might not seem like it right now, but it is!
There is no right way to heal, and your healing journey might look different from other people you know.
There is no set time to heal, and it is never too early or late to start. Take one day at a time and be kind to yourself; you are doing the best you can.
Here are all the ways you can heal from abuse:
- Talk to a counselor or a therapist
- Join a support group for survivors
- Tell your story to people you trust and will support you
- Make sure you have regular medical check-ups
- Take walks, dance, run, yoga, or another exercise you enjoy
- Meditate or do some deep breathing to help deal with your body’s response to fear, stress, and anxiety
- Drink plenty of water, eat well and get plenty of sleep
- Listen to music you love
- Draw, paint, color, take pictures or other craft projects
- Journal, write poems, music, or a narrative about your experience
- Read stories, poems, autobiographies or graphic novels
- Engage in any religious or spiritual practices that are meaningful and helpful to you
- Go to the park
- Swim, water play or spend time near water
- Spend time in nature
- Nurture a pet, house plants, or a garden (animal shelters and community gardens always need volunteers)
- Play sports, join clubs and other activities
- Sing by yourself, in a group, with a chorus or choir
- Play an instrument, join a band or orchestra
- Know what happened is not your fault
- Remember you are not responsible for taking care of or protecting the person who harmed you
As you can see, there are so many ways to heal! All of these options will allow you to heal your mind, body, and spirit. You can do as many or a few of these things as you like. Some of these things you may do already if so keep doing them!
The best part is many of these things cost no money, don’t require a lot of equipment, can be done at home, school, in your community, with friends or family, and without parental permission.
Being abused or experiencing sexual violence does not define your entire life. It does not mean you cannot be the person you want to be. I want you to know so many survivors are healing, thriving, and living the lives they want to live! You can too, don’t give up hope!