Survivor Problems

Open ended question: As a survivor, what are some ways that rape culture itself [trigger warning] negatively affects you?

Hi! I know I’ve asked a couple times already, but I’m just calling out for submissions to the zine version of Survivor Problems. It will mostly consist of the problems you and I have submitted here, but I am also including poetry, writing, and artwork (photos, illustrations, etc). I’ve gotten a few lovely submissions but please please keep ‘em coming!

Keep in mind that anyone who gets featured in the zine gets a free copy when its done!

Just submit them to survivor-problems OR send them to defaultlane@aim.com

Thanks everybody, you’re beautiful! <3 

When you’re in a situation where people are talking about their anxiety or depression, etc., and you deem it safe to mention that you have PTSD and it stops everyone in their fucking tracks. 

You guess its only ok to talk about your mental health if you’ve got something that doesn’t make people too uncomfortable.

When non-survivors try to talk about the “different kinds” of assault being “better” or “worse” than others, as if they had any idea.

Hearing statistics about rape culture and feeling suffocated.

Feeling ashamed of your own desires.

Trying to explain that the reason you don’t like to be naked isn’t just poor body image.

The sight of your own body triggers you because it makes you remember what happened.

submitted by yourserenehighness 

Nightmares… nightmares… nightmares.

Decrease in appetite, stomach pains, food not tasting right. Even the most ‘casual’ thoughts of your trauma can make you feel nauseous for hours.