Breaking free: healing from past abuse

Breaking free and healing from past abuse is a challenging but essential journey towards reclaiming your life and well-being. Please keep in mind that seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in trauma and abuse is crucial for personalised support and guidance.

Acknowledge the abuse:

Recognise that what you experienced was not your fault and that you have the right to heal from it. Accepting the reality of the past can be painful but is essential for moving forward.

Reach out for support:

Talk to someone you trust about your experiences or seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. Supportive friends, family, or support groups can also be valuable sources of comfort during this journey.

Educate yourself about trauma and its effects:

Understanding the psychological and emotional impacts of abuse can help you make sense of your feelings and reactions. It can also help you identify healthy coping strategies.

Practice self-compassion:

Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Healing is a process that takes time, and it’s okay to have setbacks along the way.

Set boundaries:

Learning to set and enforce boundaries is crucial for protecting yourself from further harm and ensuring your safety.

Engage in self-care activities:

Make time for activities that bring you joy and peace, whether it’s exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

Consider therapy:

Working with a trauma-informed therapist can be incredibly beneficial in helping you process your experiences, identify triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Explore healing modalities:

There are various healing modalities, such as art therapy, yoga, mindfulness practices, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and

Reprocessing), that can aid in processing trauma.

Practice grounding techniques:

Grounding exercises can help you stay present and manage overwhelming emotions or triggers. Examples include deep breathing, focusing

on your senses, or using grounding objects.

Forgive yourself:

Healing is not about forgetting what happened but about releasing the hold it has on your present and future. Forgive yourself for any perceived shortcomings or coping mechanisms that helped you survive during difficult times.

Remember, healing is a unique and individual process. It’s okay to take your time and seek help when needed. Patience, self-compassion, and support from others are vital components of this journey.