I was making progress recovering from childhood sexual trauma, but recently I've found myself regressing. I'm experiencing intrusive thoughts about the trauma, especially during intimate moments, which forces me to stop. I'm questioning my experiences and their validity, and find myself constantly ruminating. This feels like a major setback, especially since there's no clear trigger. Why might this regression be happening, and how can I maintain motivation for recovery when progress isn't linear?

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your feelings. This really resonates with me and I am sure for many others who might be reading this. It's completely understandable to feel discouraged when old emotions resurface, especially after you've been making progress in your healing journey. Recovery from childhood trauma often isn't a straight line, and (while frustrating) it's common to experience ups and downs along the way.

Sometimes, distressing feelings can reemerge without an obvious reason, and that can be confusing. It's important to remember that this doesn't diminish the progress you've already made. What happened to you was traumatic and takes time to overcome. Healing is a process, and just because you are experiencing setbacks, doesn't mean you're back at the beginning.

Intrusive thoughts and ruminations can be particularly challenging, especially when they affect your daily life and relationships. Doubting your experiences and their validity is also a common response to trauma. Try to remind yourself that your feelings are valid, and it's okay to acknowledge them.

Staying motivated during tough times can be difficult, but here are a few practices that might help:

1. Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge that it's okay to have tough days and that healing takes time.

2. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or focusing on your senses can help bring you back to the present moment when you start to feel overwhelmed.

3. Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Doing things that bring you joy or a sense of accomplishment can help shift your focus and improve your mood.

4. Connect with Supportive People: Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who understand and can offer encouragement.

5. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process them and identify any patterns or triggers.

6. Professional Support: If you haven't already, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Remember, experiencing a setback doesn't erase the progress you've made. Each step, even the difficult ones, is part of your journey toward healing. You're showing great strength by acknowledging how you feel and seeking ways to move forward. You're not alone. Thank you for trusting us with this