Learning how to cope with memories is an important part of a survivor’s healing journey. It’s complicated and difficult. For many of us, there’s an unspoken (and often subconscious) feeling that if we don’t address painful memories then they won’t bother us.

Of course this is not the case but dealing with memories of abuse has to be a slow, careful process that is generally different for each survivor. How can you help?

1. Don’t press a survivor for details. Be sure they know you’re willing to listen if they want to talk, but never push.
2. Don’t ask for specifics. (Why would you want to know, anyway? How would that be helpful?)
3. Don’t ever say things like “Are you sure about that?” even if the question comes to your mind.

Photo by Jose Pena on Unsplash.com.