How do I start telling my story?

Starting to tell your story is such a significant step. Thank you for asking us about this! Sharing your story can begin in quiet, gentle ways. You might find that writing down what happened feels more manageable at first, allowing you to release thoughts onto paper without worrying about anyone else's reactions. This could be in a journal, notes on your phone, or even just fragments of thoughts as they come to you. Some people find that creative expression through art, poetry, or music helps them access and communicate their experiences in ways that feel safer than direct words.

When you do feel ready to share with another person, you get to choose who that person is and how much you tell them. Some people begin by confiding in a single trusted friend or family member, choosing someone who's known to be compassionate and patient. Others find solace in connecting with a local crisis center or an advocacy group that understands the impact of trauma and provides a sense of safety and understanding. You might start with just the basics or share as much detail as feels right in that moment. It's completely okay to say "I'm not ready to talk about all of it yet" or "I need to take breaks while I'm telling you this."

It helps to remind yourself that you can decide what to share and when, and there's no fixed timeline or script you have to follow. Simply voicing a few feelings at a time can be enough. Some survivors find it easier to start their story from where they are now rather than from the beginning of what happened. You might talk about how you're feeling today, what support you need, or what prompted you to want to share. The chronological details can come later if and when you're ready.

If you feel nervous or overwhelmed, it can help to pause, take a few slow breaths, and remind yourself that your story belongs to you and should only be shared in ways that feel right to you. Starting small doesn't diminish the importance of what you've gone through. It just allows you to move at a pace your emotions can handle. Remember that telling your story isn't a one-time event. You might share different parts with different people at different times, and each time you tell it, you may remember new things or understand your experience differently. Over time, you might find that each time you speak or write about your experience, it feels a little less daunting, and you regain some of the control that was taken from you. You're in control of your own narrative, you deserve to be heard, and only you get to decide how that happens.