I was abused by a family member when I was a little kid. I don’t remember how many times it happened but I know that it did. I’ve tried to tell my mom but she never seemed to hear me or understand. I’ve suppressed the trauma for about 15 years and now, at the age of 21, I’ve decided I can’t do it anymore. A couple months ago I started seeing a therapist. The only people who know are my therapist and 3 friends. Facing the trauma is so difficult but so was hiding it. I feel like the weight of it is so heavy and constantly on my shoulders. It never goes away. I still have to see him at holidays in my own home. I have to pretend that everything is fine. I’m so lost. Therapy has helped but I still feel so alone. My friends do their best but they’ll never really understand. Sometimes I feel like it’s all in my head, like my brain made it up, but I know that’s just the trauma of not receiving help. If you’ve been through something similar, please give me some advice, encouragement, anything. This burden is too heavy to carry alone and it’s just the beginning.