My Trauma Is Not A Trend | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

My Trauma Is Not A Trend

I hate admitting that bad things happen to me because there are too many good things in my life that outweigh it.

286
My Trauma Is Not A Trend
Samantha Abad

Sexual assault has been in the headlines for so long, I can't keep track of all the stories in the news. And I still don't know what to think of all of it. I'm conflicted because as someone who's been through it, I don't think I ever want to come forward and spill all the details about it or let the world know who did it to me.

I can't even explicitly say it because it's so hard to talk about. All of these survivors and victims who are so strong and brave to come forward, yet I just can't put myself in the same category. I don't want to. I still don't feel like what happened to me is comparable to other people. I'm conflicted because when it happened to me, I denied the fact of what it was.

I trusted him. He was a friend. I don't feel like I suffered enough to say "I am a survivor." But I did suffer. It still affects me to this day - even if not the same way and as intensely as it used too when I'd have to sit through class knowing he was right there in the same room not going through the same jumbled mental mess that I was.

I think it's a pride thing; I hate admitting that bad things happen to me because there are too many good things in my life that outweigh it. But that puts a burden on my back to carry this weight of something that was out of my control. And he is so well-liked by so many people I know, and for some reason, I just don't want to ruin that for him. It's confusing, I know.

Seeing people outraged at celebrities when they're accused isn't even a comforting feeling to me. In fact, the entire #MeToo movement makes me a little uncomfortable. For me, I can't fully grasp how people are so open with something like sexual assault. I know it brings awareness and shows support for those who have yet to come forward, but at times it feels like I'm being pressured by someone who doesn't even know me to come forward about something I'm not ready to come forward about.

But here I am now, telling all of you this. A great deal of consideration goes into how someone puts their own experience out for the public to know, so when someone gets shot down or isn't taken seriously, that hurts. Even if it's not me, I can imagine how difficult it must be to be so honest with the world and the world beats you back down for it. Because I need people to understand that for some people, these things have to be dealt with by that person alone. And that it takes time - and people who don't come forward for decades, I can understand that.

These are all my own opinions, and how I feel is how I feel.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188033
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13533
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456831
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26004
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments