This page is to give some suggestions as to what could be helpful to one as they are dealing with all the emotions and feelings associated with the abuse.  In addition, to give some suggestions on what could help through the healing process.  These are just some suggestions but also they are what helped me and they may not be able to help everyone.  I know when I have worked through the healing process some things would help at certain times that other times were not what I needed.  Sometimes it is figuring out what is best for you and while you may get suggestions from others those are just suggestions and if it is not helpful for you then you do not have to follow their suggestions.

Some healthy coping mechanisms:

• Writing
• I find writing my feelings out either on paper or starting an online journal that you gave have private entries on.  This has been helpful for me because I am not able to talk about a lot of my feelings or when I do talk I do not adequately address everything.  I would also bring my journal entries into my counselor and she would read those before a session started which would approach feelings and emotions I could never address out loud.  Also when I would have flashbacks when I would be able to write my memories it eased the flashback.
• Talking and being with friends
• Several of my friends know what has happened because some days when I was upset all I needed was a friend there to listen to me.  While my friends would tell me I do not know how to help you I would constantly tell them just having them there was helping be because sometimes being alone when dealing with the emotions is scary and you just want to know someone is there.  Friends can help make you laugh and laughter can sometimes break your mood too.
• Not giving into emotions
• Sometimes when your dealing with all the emotions there may be days where you just feel like staying in bed or not doing your normal activities.  As hard as it may be those are the days you need to push yourself more to get out of bed and live the days as normal.  When your upset and you just stay in bed it makes your emotions drop faster.  Also sometimes you may not feel like eating but eating can help regulate your emotions and when you are hungry you may not have the energy needed to fight the battle to get through the day.
• Do something for yourself
• If you are having rough times treat yourself very nice.  Take time to do things you enjoy rather it is watching your favorite show or   getting yourself the new cd or movie you want.  Make you feel like royalty because you survived the abuse and you can get through the feelings after worth.
• Give yourself time
• Healing is a process that takes time.  If you expect yourself to be healed instantly you can get upset with yourself more.  Instead take it each minute by minute and then with time it can be day by day. 
• Don’t ignore the positives
• When you are upset sometimes all you see are the negative things that have happened each day.  The hard part sometimes is to see the good things that may have happened like you got out of bed.  When you can see there are some positives in your day it can help you feel better. 
• Do things you enjoy
• Do something that you enjoy to take your mind off how your feeling.  This could be watching a movie or spending time with your friends.  Just doing something enjoyable can make you mood go up because it can get your mind off whats going on.