Please don’t say things like “Just stop thinking about it” to a survivor who struggles with painful memories of trauma and abuse. It is not helpful to try to make ourselves stop remembering; that’s how a lot of people, including survivors, get caught up in various bad habits. That’s running from memories, hiding from them instead of facing them. With time and effort, we as survivors can learn to deal with intense feelings and learn to be comfortable with who we are. But we need you to be patient with us. We need to face those memories and feelings a little at a time because there really is no rush.

It’s great to have help as we learn how to do that but for a variety of reasons, some people don’t have access to therapists or counselors. Please do what you can to help a survivor find support. Research community organizations, and very carefully scout out what resources are online. Do your homework (and please feel free to email us if you want specific suggestions – Admin@SilenceBrokenNow.org) but never just leave someone hanging.

Be sure they know that you care, that you’re not abandoning them, and above all that God cares for them right where they are.

Photo by Azzadiva Sawungrana on Unsplash.com