by Elizabeth Woods | Apr 27, 2026 | Childhood Sexual Abuse, CPTSD, Sexual Abuse
As a survivor of sexual abuse and horrific trauma, I can attest that it is the worst pain a human being can endure. It feels like being tortured, and in simple terms, it is. As adults in this day and age, we have the power to stop children from being abused, but many...
by Sarah Arnold | Mar 25, 2025 | ACEs, CPTSD, Guest Contributor, Mental Health Professional, Sexual Abuse
***TRIGGER WARNING: This article discusses sexual trauma and abuse to children and could be triggering*** Afraid To Go To SchoolAt the beginning of third grade, our usually happy and confident son, William, became panic-stricken about going to school. This...
by Rebekah Brown | Dec 2, 2024 | ACEs, CPTSD, Domestic Violence, Family Disease, Guest Contributor, Sexual Abuse
***TRIGGER ALERT – The following article describes childhood trauma and could be triggering.*** I twirled around, causing the skirt of my best Sunday dress to flair out in a way that delighted my four-year-old sensibilities. It was 1966, and my black patent...
by Adina Lynn LeCompte | Jun 10, 2024 | 12 Step Programs, Addiction, Complex PTSD Healing, CPTSD Survivor Stories, Guest Contributor, Healing from Toxic Shame, Recovery, Self-Acceptance, Sexual Abuse, Shame, Sobriety, Substance Abuse
The imagined scene fades in: silhouette and shadow, sepia and blue-black charcoal. Fading dusk bleeds its final hint of burnt sienna. The rhythmic slap and skip-step of a single figure jumping rope. Those turning the rope and their haunting sing-song chant are just...
by Sylvie Rouhani | May 31, 2024 | Complex PTSD Healing, Guest Contributor, Guilt, Journaling, Listening, Loneliness, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Awareness, Sexual Abuse, Suicide Prevention, Symptoms of CPTSD
#SAAM – the Sexual Assault Awareness campaign was last month. I wish I could write such things as: “If you have experienced sexual assault or rape, please go to the Police, talk to someone, anyone who could help you through this.” Sadly, I...
by Deborah E. Padilla | May 14, 2024 | CPTSD, Guest Contributor, Nature, PTSD, Sexual Abuse
Nature is known to have multiple facets that provide optimal physical and mental health. A study in 2021 found evidence linking nature exposure to improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, and sleep (Jimenez et al., 2021). This...