> I didn't start to feel anger or trauma until I went away to college in the early 90's and no one seemed to have similar stories
I've got stories like yours. And I too thought I wasn't traumatized, at least not too much.
But I was wrong.
The trauma was a weakness below the surface and given the right mix of pressure (the pressures of startups don't by default provide a safe environment for mental health) it gave way almost 35 years later almost ending my story.
A year of therapy later and I live a simpler life now. I survived my past, few could and there's strength in that.
I concur with you that a kind of anxiety exists due to people who just shrug it off, and this was worse and seems to keep the past more present.
A few kind individuals heard me, didn't dismiss, and didn't judge, and have been more support than leagues of others. And being heard by those few people who are softer and gentler, has been absolutely restorative.
I'm glad others don't have stories like ours, but sad that means most people can't connect with survivors who do have these stories.
I've got stories like yours. And I too thought I wasn't traumatized, at least not too much.
But I was wrong.
The trauma was a weakness below the surface and given the right mix of pressure (the pressures of startups don't by default provide a safe environment for mental health) it gave way almost 35 years later almost ending my story.
A year of therapy later and I live a simpler life now. I survived my past, few could and there's strength in that.
I concur with you that a kind of anxiety exists due to people who just shrug it off, and this was worse and seems to keep the past more present.
A few kind individuals heard me, didn't dismiss, and didn't judge, and have been more support than leagues of others. And being heard by those few people who are softer and gentler, has been absolutely restorative.
I'm glad others don't have stories like ours, but sad that means most people can't connect with survivors who do have these stories.