What You Are Feeling Is Valid
After experiencing sexual abuse or violence, many survivors ask themselves:
“Why am I feeling this way?”
You may feel confused, overwhelmed, or even numb. One moment you are strong, the next moment you feel like everything is too much.
These reactions are more common than you think.
You might experience:
- Fear or anxiety, even in safe places
- Anger or irritability
- Emotional numbness or disconnection
- Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
- Difficulty trusting others
Some survivors also struggle spiritually, asking questions like:
- “Where was God?”
- “Why did this happen to me?”
These feelings are not signs of weakness. They are natural responses to something deeply painful.
In many Nigerian communities, survivors are often told to “be strong,” “move on,” or “pray about it and forget.” While faith can be a source of strength, your emotions still deserve to be acknowledged and processed.
Healing begins when you allow yourself to feel without judgement.
You are not “too sensitive.” You are responding to what happened.
And you deserve support as you heal.
