I've been through a lot of trauma and am thinking about starting a blog to share my experiences and survival. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start writing publicly about trauma and abuse? Also, how did Our Wave come to be?

Thank you for reaching out to us! It sounds like you have a wealth of experiences and insights to share, and a desire to help others by opening up about them. Many people healing from trauma find it both empowering and comforting to write publicly, and readers often feel less alone when they see their own experiences reflected in someone else's words. Your unique story, and the resilience you've built, can truly touch others who are seeking hope, community, and practical understanding.

In terms of advice, I've seen that survivors who choose to blog often find it helpful to decide, before writing, on personal boundaries around what they're comfortable sharing. These boundaries can bring a sense of control over the process, which can make it feel less overwhelming if past memories stir up powerful emotions. Some people begin by writing drafts purely for themselves, giving time to see how it feels before publishing. Others choose to share in smaller online communities first. Whatever pace feels right to you will honor both your story and your well-being while letting you connect with an audience who appreciates you.

It's also worth thinking about your support system as you embark on this journey. Writing about trauma can bring up difficult emotions and memories, so having people you trust to talk to (whether friends, family, or a therapist) can be incredibly valuable. If you're not currently working with a mental health professional, you might consider connecting with one, especially as you begin this process. They can provide support as you navigate any feelings that come up through your writing.

When you do start blogging, remember that you're in control of your narrative. You don't owe anyone every detail of your story, and you can always adjust what you share as you go. Some bloggers choose to write anonymously or use pseudonyms to maintain privacy, while others use their real names. Think about what feels right for your situation, considering both your comfort level and any safety concerns. Be patient and compassionate with yourself throughout this process. There may be days when writing feels healing and days when it feels heavy. Both responses are completely normal.

As for Our Wave's story, it came to be out of recognition that many survivors, just like you, have important stories that need a supportive outlet. The notion of a digital community where survivors can share experiences and find validation (and also see that they're not alone) emerged several years ago among people who understood firsthand that no one should have to heal in isolation.

What followed was the formation of the core Our Wave team and years of conversation, listening, and learning. Through these discussions, we realized that the resources available to survivors are limited and often only accessible in person. Drawing on our backgrounds in technology, marketing, research, and data science, we recognized an opportunity to create a safe online space that could serve the needs of all survivors—a space free from guilt, blame, and judgment, providing research-driven and user-informed tools to help survivors of all identities find healing. In 2019, Our Wave was officially registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we launched our online healing platform. This spirit of safely sharing is very much aligned with what you're envisioning in your own blog.

I'm really glad you've decided to take this step, and I wish you much encouragement as you bring your ideas to life. You deserve to be heard, and others will benefit from reading not only of the pain you've endured, but of the resilience that carried you through. It can be a deep source of healing to acknowledge your own journey in a way that helps others recognize they, too, are more powerful than the traumas they have faced. Take good care of yourself while you take these steps forward, and remember that your story has immense value—both for you and for those who find comfort and validation in your words.