Is it possible to recover a sense of safety after targeted LGBTQ+ attacks?
Pride Month is behind us, and that can leave some people in the LGBTQ+ community feeling a bit low. Businesses stop publicly showing their support, and awareness dips again. We feel the backlash of Pride month, and it may leave you feeling like you don’t have a community surrounding you.
There’s reason to feel down. Despite the celebrations of the community in June, LGBTQ+ individuals are still ridiculed, discriminated against, and even attacked far too often.
If you’ve ever been targeted and attacked, you might feel like you’ll never stop looking around every corner. Is it possible to heal? Yes! You can feel safe again, and keep moving forward with your head high.
Let Go of Shame
You may struggle with guilt and shame after experiencing a targeted attack. No matter how confident and comfortable you are, it’s not uncommon for those who have experienced trauma to carry around the shame of what happened. You may feel guilty that you “let” something happen to you. Or, you might struggle with guilt if you weren’t the only one who was attacked. When others have to deal with the same thing as you, or even more (in your perception), you might feel deep guilt. If you continue to walk around with the chains of shame around your neck, you’re never going to move forward from your attack.
You have to let go of guilt and recognize that no attack is justified, and it wasn’t your fault.
Surround Yourself With Support
Being alone after an attack can be triggering. Yet, you might withdraw from the people in your life as you combat feelings of fear, anxiety, and even depression. It’s important to lean on your support system after an attack. Friends, family members, and allies will provide you with a sense of comfort and security, and you’re likely to feel safer simply by spending time with people who love you.
So, while it might be tempting to hide away from the world after a targeted attack, understand who your tribe is, and rely on them for support.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is always important. But, if you’ve been through the trauma of a targeted attack, it should be at the top of your priority list. Self-care doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. It could include daily meditation, journaling, or exercising. Do at least one thing each day that is specifically for your well-being. Self-care will make it easier to release feelings of guilt. You’ll show yourself compassion and kindness, instead of shame. You’ll also strengthen your resolve to fight back.
Reach Out for Help
Having a support system is important. However, friends and family might not be able to help you move forward the way a therapist can.
Reaching out to a mental health professional might be the single most important thing to do when you’re trying to recover a sense of safety after a targeted attack. Therapy can help you better understand your fear and the trauma you experienced. By learning how to stay focused on the present and shift your perspective, you can start healing and feel safer.
There are a variety of modalities that deal with trauma. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, make sure you do your research and find the type of therapy that feels like a good fit for you. Don’t hesitate to talk to potential therapists ahead of time, so you feel comfortable in your choice.
With that, feel free to contact me if you feel you need help to move past your trauma. If you want more information about what to expect, we can discuss the process. Together, we’ll start the healing process, look toward the future, and help you feel safe in your own skin.
Learn more about LGBTQ+ Therapy.
