[Josette]

I've never spokem to anyone about what happened to me 5 years ago, cos sometimes im afraid it was all just a bad dream. It just seems so unreal! What should i do?

[Elysium]

Speak on it when you are comfortable and ready to!!

I don't know how much you know about dissociation during traumatic experiences, but dissociation is a coping mechanism that children use to cope during severe trauma. When they look back on those memories at a later time, they sometimes can not remember them at all, or only see pictures or flashes in their minds. Other times they can can seem quite surreal and dream-like.

It's okay to talk about this here. Even if it really does feel like a dream. I have trauma/abuse in my past and I often feel like I just dreamed these things, or that they weren't really real. Sometimes, when I remember something, it's like I'm standing next to myself, watching it happen...a mere spectator of myself and the situation.

Let's say it was just a dream. It obviously has had an emotional impact on you regardless.

So, when you're ready...know that we will be here for you!!

[Miri]

Wishing you strength and comfort ...

[mixedup_emotions]

OMG, I was just thinking along the same lines!!

I have a "memory" of my early childhood that I'm not sure was real....and there are many missing pieces to it....but I remember certain specific things and makes me point to SA...but yet I can't remember the SA part. So, I'm not sure it really happened.

When I was a teenager, I clearly remember the SA....and then of course the incident with my husband and neighbor a few months ago....

But that one time when I was a very young girl - I'd say around age 5 - I can't seem to figure out....I don't want to bring it up in therapy because I'm not sure it's real....

Anyway, my point is that I can relate.....I think that sharing it here is one of the safest places...so whenever you're ready, we are here for you. And remember, you are not alone.