Hello :)! I don’t know your story, so I can’t say my situation is 100% the same however I have experienced abuse and very much struggle with PTSD. It’s very very difficult - I didn’t even know what I was dealing with until 2 years after I left. It’s been about 4 years and I struggle from time to time… but things have definitely gotten better. It takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s possible! As cliche as it sounds it’s important to remind yourself that you are not defined by what happened to you, it’s only just an experience you had. You are able to create a new story, and you don’t have to let it rule your life forever. Something that’s always helped me to keep in mind is that… the longer your linger on the situation, you’re still giving your abuser power. In the end, the bad guy still wins. But choosing to let go and recognize that this is YOUR life, not theirs, gives all the power back to you. It’s so important to take control of yourself again! And with time, you’ll get there! If you need anyone to talk to, or just listen, I am here :) You got this!

thank you so much!! It has been 8 years in this relationship and I am just starting to awaken to the abuse. The physical stuff just started a few months ago, but the mental has been for years. I am having a hard time with trying to check my emotions so I can do what I need to to get out. But I appreciate the advice very much and hope I can get to a place where I feel safe.

I have lived with domestic violence between my step father and mother and then went into dangerous relationships that started off as the best relationships. In one I was R-ed and beaten. Ended up pregnant. I was scared to leave the relationship and tried many times and the guy threatened to unalive himself if I left. I only got out cause he cheated on me with my so called friend and kicked me and his daughter of 4 months out and replaced us with her and her baby boy around around same age

You can message me if any of this sounds similar to what you went through or if you have any questions. I still flinch at innocent movements and have flashbacks and randomly cry and feel guilty

The best thing that works for me is being able to talk it out. I've also been practicing raising my tolerance [for life] threshold by cold stimuli, hot stimuli, and silence. Chugging cold water, rinsing my hands in cold water, or taking a cold shower (I guess I have a thing for cold water?). Hot stimuli is usually some kind of exercise. I like yoga, but also take brisk neighborhood walks. Silence can be meditation, either thought exercises, breathing exercises, or pseudo EMDR laying under my ceiling fan and letting any thought wash through me.