Although having a supportive therapist is wonderful, too often mental health advocates will want to silence you for speaking up about abuse or the cause(s) of PTSD. They will suggest that "you get over it" and forgive the abuser. Any attempt to shame or silence a survivor is abusive in that it invalidates her or his right to speak up about the abuse or trauma. It places the mantle of shame on her shoulders rather than on the perpetrator. Don't ever stop talking about your pain because this talking, this working out of your pain through art...it will help heal you. I am an abuse and trauma survivor and healing is ongoing and honestly, it helps me so much to know that I'm not alone. Your posts resonate with me. I am amazed at your resilience and inspired to see how you use your art as you travel your heroine's journey. @onceuponatime is concerned that others will take advantage of your vulnerability, of your transparency, and I share that concern. There are so many evil people in this world. Stay safe but never stop speaking out about abuse. It is by speaking up that we silence the predators who will claim that they are the victims, and that they require our compassion. Fuck no.
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@florentina, I think everything you said is on target. There is power is speaking out, and not everyone is prepared to hear it or to be supportive. The trick is to not be invested in the response of others, but rather in your own ability to work through the pain.
I dont disagree with anyone who commented here. I will receive negativity and even harassment and have but I am going to be harassed regardless of what I post here. I already opened that door and I am aware of it when I post now. I, however, am an artist. It's literally what I do with my life, and it is my #1 priority. I create art to share it and when it's graphic art like this, I feel like explaining it. I used to hide my art/throw it away for many, many years but now I like to share it. I am appreciative of the concern however, and it was valid. Also thank you for the thoughtful response, as usual @florentina.