I’ve always felt guilty for developing PTSD. I’ve always felt like I’m just being dramatic because the abuse was never physical- it was emotional, verbal, and sexual harassment. But he never touched me, so I tell myself that so many others have been abused so much worse, and I hate myself for having PTSD, because I think I shouldn’t. 

About a year after it happened, I had to tell someone- so I told someone anonymous on the internet. They told me I was overreacting and that I should just let it go- other people have it worse. After that, the only people that knew were my best friend and the anon I never spoke to again. My parents didn’t find out until over three years after it happened. I tried so hard to hide it because I felt like I a faker for “getting so upset over nothing”.

Sometimes I still do. Sometimes I still tell myself it wasn’t physical so why do I get so worked up? Why do I have flashbacks and nightmares? I’m trying to accept that my abuse was valid and my feelings are valid, but I’m others won’t, and I’m afraid they’re right.