Anniversary Of Sexual Abuse

[ashdawn8287]

Hi everyone hope everyone is doing well.

The anniversary to my sexual abuse is this weekend. It happened during labor day weekend.

I just started having body flashbacks yesterday. I am under extra stress with college, wedding, fundraising, and relationship things.

I am going on a spa getaway this weekend. I planned it a month or so ago because I knew the ptsd symptoms would return this weekend.

I am depressed, having negative beliefs about myself, I feel like isolating, my chest hurts, my bodies trembling, I can't stop crying not because of my past but because I hate this, I am trying hard to think positive but its hard when my body keeps remembering. I can't stop the pain in my chest enough to do something productive.

Any tips?

 

[KrispyKreme]

I am so sorry that you are having a heavy weekend coming up :(!

I am also sorry for what you went through, you did not deserve it and do not deserve the pain you are going through now. You are a beautiful, wonderful amazing person!!!

I unfortunately do not have many tips other than to keep reminding yourself that you are safe now and that you have many positive qualities about you. Also, try and keep busy the whole day, do not give yourself time to think.

Take care of yourself and hugs if you want them! Stay strong!

KK

 

[ashdawn8287]

Thank you. Today was an exhausting day. I feel I released a lot of stress by crying. Tomorrow I am back in the game of life! :)

 

[KrispyKreme]

Crying is a good stress reliever.

I am sorry you had an exhausting, I hope tomorrow is better.

By the way - I love you attitude; so positive!!!

Will be thinking of you :)!

 

[ashdawn8287]

Thank you for your support. :)

 

[Philippa]

That's a tough one. I'm sorry, I don't know what to offer here.

When your body is bringing up memories, all you can do is go with it and release what you can via tears, which it sounds like you have been doing good work with. It can be a pain though when you have plans and want to be feeling in a brighter space than you are. If it is still upsetting you on the day perhaps you can put the date forward to the next week?

 

[cherryblossom]

I just wondered if you'd read the following post https://www.myptsd.com/threads/trauma-anniversaries-fact-vs-myth.13881/

It might be worth a look.

 

[Flyaway]

Its a big weekend for both of us! How about eating lots of brownies, and doing something VERY active? I think when I start shaking, its my adrenalin kicking in - I want to flee! If you're doing something active, you can harness all that adrenalin into something positive. If it gets too much, or other symptoms become overpowering... then maybe activities that calm you will be more effective? like a bubble bath, music, meditation, fav movie etc.

My plan for the weekend: distraction, distraction, distraction... and some more distraction. Did I mention distraction?

I hope you will feel comforted, just knowing that we will be here for you. You will get through this Ash!