The Thurt About Sexual Abuse Trauma

In this Rainbow Hilton Podcast episode, we talk about overcoming sexual abuse trauma, a deeply personal and transformative topic that affects a lot of LGBTQ+ youth every day.

I’ve faced my own battles with sexual abuse, and it has been a long and arduous journey toward healing. But through perseverance, self-reflection, and the support of a loving community, I have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever.

In this post, I will share insights and resources that can guide you in your journey toward healing from sexual abuse and finding the good in the ugly.

What is Sexual Abuse Trauma?

Let´s start from the beginning: What is sexual abuse? Sexual abuse (SA) is any activity forced upon someone without their consent. It can manifest in various forms, such as harassment, assault, or exploitation, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

I understand that discussing sexual abuse can be difficult and triggering for some. Please know that The Trevor Project is here for you and aims to provide a safe and supportive environment if you need someone to talk to.

As we explore this topic together, I want to remind you that your feelings and experiences are valid. There is a whole community here ready to uplift and support you.

And although being a sexual abuse survivor is hard, healing is possible. With time, patience, and the right help, you can reclaim your life and move forward with strength and resilience.

My Experience Overcoming Sexual Abuse

My own experiences with SA began before I was six years old. Throughout my life, I have struggled to overcome this trauma. Whenever I believed I had conquered it, another layer deep in me revealed itself and made me struggle.

I became a bully, pushing people away to protect myself from further harm. But this only led to more loneliness and pain.

I continued down this path for a long time until I eventually realized my actions were harming me and also affecting others. The relationships I once cherished began to crumble, and I found myself feeling more isolated than ever before.

It was then that I knew I needed to make a change, to break down the barriers I had built and find the courage to let others in, allowing myself to be vulnerable and open to the love and support that I so desperately needed.

Through the years and with much patience, I found my power and purpose, transforming my past into energy, something that could help others. As a life coach, I now work with clients who have experienced various forms of abuse, using my own experiences to empathize with them and guide them through their healing process.

Sexual Abuse Trauma Healing Process

My goal is for you to find the good in your own bad experiences, no matter how difficult that may seem. But the truth is that to find the good in the ugly, you need to heal first.

Healing is a personal and unique experience. What works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general steps that can guide you toward healing.

Acknowledge the abuse: The first step in the healing process is acknowledging that the abuse occurred. This can be difficult, as it often involves confronting painful emotions and memories. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the abuse was not your fault, and you deserve to move past it.
Seek support: Healing from sexual abuse is often challenging to do alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups like The Trevor Project to share your experiences and feelings.
Surround yourself with people who understand and empathize with your situation. You don’t have to go through this journey alone.
Connect with a professional. A therapist or counselor experienced in trauma and abuse can be beneficial. In many cases, this type of help can be invaluable. They can provide guidance and coping strategies.
Practice self-care: Prioritize your well-being by engaging in self-care activities that bring you comfort and joy. Remember: you deserve to be happy. This could be things like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Be patient with yourself: Healing is a gradual process, and it’s essential to be patient and gentle. Allow yourself the time and space to process your experiences. Remember, healing is not linear, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey.

How to Take the First Step

If you’re ready to take that first step, start by opening up to a trusted friend or reaching out to me or The Trevor Project counselors.

Remember, more people have experienced SA and have gone through and healed; it’s possible to change the bad and the ugly into something worth sharing, a history, a project, a career, and a happy life.

I hope my story has shown you that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you too can transform your past into a powerful force for good.

See you in the next post!

My Story: Stopping Suicide

Stopping suicide is possible. In this episode of the Rainbow Hilton Podcast, a show aimed at stopping suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, I´ll share with you something deeply personal and close to my heart: the story of my first suicide attempt.

As a spokesperson for suicide prevention, it is my mission to make sure that every single one of you knows that you are not alone.

Believe me, I’ve been through it all, and I wish I had known this myself a few years ago when I felt alone. Hopefully, this story will help some of you find the path to a full and happy life.

How It All Started

I remember being in high school, feeling lost and lonely. Back then, I was a theater kid on antidepressants feeling confused. But I had one thing crystal clear: I loved theater.

Our school was gearing up for a production of Romeo and Juliet. Surprisingly, while everyone expected me to get the lead role of Romeo, my heart was set on playing Mercutio.

I remember running my finger down that list, feeling so sure and excited… and not seeing my name on it, so I sat there for seconds of shame, feeling all my world crumble in front of me.

At this time, the idea of suicide wasn’t new to me; I had time to think about it and process how it would be.

Looking back, it was something so silly, but at the moment, it was everything; I had just missed my chance to make it big, and since I had just failed at it, ending my life seemed like the only option. So I ran home and took every pill of my antidepressant.

How I Choose Life

As soon as the last pill went down my throat, I instantly changed my mind, so I ran to tell my mom to take me to the hospital in the middle of the night.

She screamed at me and lectured me about the cost of the meds, but all I could think was that my dreams had just shattered. How could she be saying all that? I ran through a large field outside my house, ready to end it all, and somehow, somewhere, something stopped me.

I could have just died right then and there. Instead, I went back home to my mom.

At the hospital, they made me throw up; they made me drink charcoal and put me in a padded room. I was cold, sad, and the loneliest I had ever felt.

Looking back, I realize how much I just needed someone to tell me that it was okay, that there would be other opportunities, and that I wasn’t alone.

That’s what I needed to hear, and that’s what I’m here to tell all of you today: You are a star. You’re here powerfully on purpose, and suicide is never the answer.

In moments of despair, it’s crucial to remind ourselves that we are not alone. Reach out to your friends and family; you can even reach me or any support organizations like The Trevor Project.

Stopping Suicide

Sometimes, choosing your own family and people who love and support you unconditionally is okay. It’s ok to build an environment where you feel safe and can be vulnerable.

As an LGBTQ+ advocate and someone who has navigated the dark path of suicidal thoughts, I stand by your side. An entire community of people genuinely care about your well-being and are ready to help.

Remember, you are a shining star, destined to make a meaningful impact on this world. Embrace your resilience and inner strength, and never allow a single obstacle to dictate the course of your journey.

Life is filled with ups and downs, but it’s how we rise above these challenges that truly define our character. So, keep shining bright.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and please know that I am here for each and every one of you.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of a powerful movement for suicide prevention. Subscribe to the Rainbow Hilton Podcast to stay updated on new episodes, and visit RainbowHilton for more information on how to donate to The Trevor Project.

Together we can slay suicide and embrace the rainbow that emerges after the storm.

Tag: Stopping Suicide

Overcoming Sexual Abuse Trauma: The Art of Healing