By: A Survivor Not a Victim
March 23, 2016
I’m lucky that I actually do have a support system, even when I feel like I don’t. It’s my own personal demons in dealing with this horrible situation that makes me feel that way.
The truth is, this isn’t easy to talk about with loved ones and with people who care about me. If the situation were reversed, I don’t know what I would do except tell the person that I care about them and that I am and will be there for them in any way they need me.
Rape doesn’t just affect the victim; it affects their loved ones and everyone who cares about them. It is just a hard situation all around.
So, while I have been slowly telling people close to me one by one, because it is just too overwhelming to do it all at once, immediately, it still isn’t easy, and I still don’t like to talk about it.
Everyone has been amazing so far, and I don’t want to take away from that with what I am about to say next.
So, while it is important to have a support system, relying on other people 27/7 is simply unrealistic. It’s just a fact of life. I know that people might not be available at 3 in the morning when I am having a breakdown or at another time on any given day because everyone has things going on in their lives. This doesn’t mean they are not there for me; they are, and I know they will continue to be. I do have realistic expectations. Additionally, sometimes, when I am having a breakdown, I don’t want to reach out to anyone because I don’t even know how to express what is going on in my mind.
This all being said, two special little ones in my life are, have been, and will always be there for me 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My adorable, sweet, trouble-making chihuahuas. They know that I am not well. They have been so sensitive to my needs. I don’t know where I would be right now if I didn’t have them. I’m so thankful every day for these two amazing dogs.
They are so full of love and affection; they really mean everything to me. Because of them, combined with the support of family and friends, I will hopefully find a sense of normalcy and peace again.
A Survivor Not a Victim 