The Survivors Speak Interview series is dedicated to amplifying the voices of survivors by providing a platform to share our stories and connect us through experiences and healing. Read stories of childhood trauma as survivors share their pain, their hope, and their healing. 

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Nashaa’s Story

Please share what inspired you to share your story.

Sharing my story allows me to connect with others and inspire them to take on their own challenges.

Introduce yourself: tell us about your passions, interests, family life, favorite quotes, etc.

My name is Nashaa and I’m passionate about becoming a writer. I have been married to my best friend for 6 1/2 years and we have two furry babies who bring us so much joy. I’m working on my blog where I write about topics that are meaningful to me. Writing has become an essential part of my life.

Please share your story in as much or as little detail as you are comfortable.

At the age of four, I experienced a childhood trauma abuse that changed my life forever. My mother’s ex-husband had molested me at the age of 5, leaving me feeling helpless and ashamed. I was about to tell my mother what he had done to me, but he warned me to stay silent. These experiences left me with lasting physical and emotional scars that have followed me into adulthood.

What are some of the challenging ways your trauma has manifested in your life?

Trauma can manifest in many challenging ways.

When did healing begin? Was there a catalyst moment and how did you reach this point?

My journey of healing began when I was in college. I had been struggling with depression and anxiety for years, but it was at this point that I realized I needed to start taking my mental health seriously. I started seeing a therapist and learning coping skills to manage my stress and anxiety.

What has your healing journey looked like day-to-day: techniques, modalities, practices, tools you use?

For me, blogging, meditation, and journaling are practices that help me make peace with myself.

What are two or three things you have learned as you heal that you believe are important for survivors to know as they heal?

As someone who has gone through the healing journey myself, I have learned a lot about what it takes to recover from trauma. I think one of the most important lessons for other survivors to keep in mind is the importance of recognizing your own strengths. When you have been through something difficult, it can be easy to doubt yourself and think that you are not capable of handling anything else. However, remember that you have made it through tough times before and you can do it again.

Additional Thoughts From 

You’re not alone if you’re struggling to move on from a traumatic event. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and scared after something traumatic happens. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. When you find yourself feeling triggered, it is often best to take a moment to express your feelings. This can help you to better understand why you are feeling triggered.

Thank you for sharing your story Nashaa!

Share Your Story

Sharing your story is a powerful part of your healing journey. It helps you find and reclaim your voice and it helps others who are trying to find there’s. It lets us all know that we are not alone when we can connect through shared lived experiences.

If you would like to share your own story with the Surviving Childhood Trauma community, please use the link below to submit it.

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Looking for Ways to Connect With Other Survivors and/or Receive Support as You Heal?

Survivor’s Circle Peer Support Groups might be just what you need. 

These small groups meet on alternating days of the week via Zoom. In these groups, survivors connect, share, and support each other through the ebbs and flows of healing. Attend a session and experience the magical healing that happens when survivors connect and support each other through shit only we can understand.

You can also book individual 1:1 peer support sessions with Shanon for private support in a closed space. You deserve support as you heal, and I am here to help. You don’t have to heal alone.

On the Journey Peer Support Monthly Package

As a part of this monthly support program you will gain access to all Survivor’s Circle Peer Support group support sessions every month as well as individual 1:1 peer support sessions with Shanon each month. 

Hi, I am Shanon

I am a trauma informed, trained, and Certified Peer Support Specialist in the state of Wisconsin. I am also a survivor with years committed to my own trauma healing after being diagnosed with (C) PTSD due to childhood abuse. Additionally, I have a professional and personal history of community facilitation and peer work.

I specialize in helping survivors like you make connections between real time experiences and past trauma wounds, identify and communicate boundaries, create self-care plans that work, navigate big emotions and trauma responses, reparent your inner child, and embody your own self-worth through the healing process with confidence and personal empowerment.

These support groups and 1:1 peer support sessions should not replace professional therapy; they will however provide additional support and information.