1. Realize that what happened to you was not your fault. You didn't deserve to go through it, and you did nothing to ask for it. You were an innocent soul caught in a situation you had no control over.
2. Release your emotions. It is always ok to cry. Don't lock everything inside because by doing that you hurt even more. Let the tears flow. Crying makes you feel better.
3. Keep a journal. Journaling is one of the best ways to get your feelings out. Write down how you feel, what you went through; whatever you feel, put it down on paper. In fact, always keep a pen and paper nearby so when you start having an anxiety attack or get the urge to self-inflict, you can just start writing down everything you feel at that moment and keep the pen moving. You don't have to show anyone else what you have written; this journal is for you to express your emotions. Writing is great therapy.
4. Write a letter to yourself. This way you can see where you were at one time in life and how much progress you have made. Plus you always have it to re-read or share with a friend, family member, or loved one so they can see what you're going through and have gone through in your past.
5. Talk about what happened. Share your story with a friend, family member, loved one, or counselor. Keeping it inside is not healthy. It's good to talk about what happened so you can it off your mind. You feel free when you let it all out, as if a heavy burden has suddenly been lifted from you. Talk to someone you know you can trust. Counseling helps as well.
6. Attend a support group. Some areas have support groups set up. Talking with other survivors and victims and hearing their stories helps. To check for groups in your area, go to www.meetup.com. If there is no group in your area, start one.
7. Read helpful materials. There are plenty of good informative books and magazines out there about abuse, self-infliction, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, flashbacks, rape, domestic violence, eating disorders, etc. Whatever you are going through or have gone through, find a book on the topic that helps you and gives you good advice on healing from it.
8. Hotlines. You can always call a hotline number. Hotline numbers are a good source if you need to talk to someone and don't have anyone to talk to. Information is kept anonymous and the people give you advice on dealing with the situation you are in. Since they don't know you either, you don't have to worry about them judging you or being biased.
9. Get involved in community activities to help spread awareness. Volunteering is a great way to get word out and also to help make a difference in the lives of others.
10. Use a talent or gift you have, such as writing, singing, painting, drawing, etc. to release your emotions and also to reach out to others at the same time.
11. Whenever you feel down or find yourself having a low self-esteem, make a list of all the achievements that you have accomplished in your life and post them on your wall. This can serve as a daily reminder of how far you have come in your life and the goals you have reached.
12. Find a way to release your anger you feel towards your abusers and what happened to you in a healthy way rather then in a way that will bring harm to yourself. Exercising, writing, boxing, kick boxing, going for walks, and anything else you can think of along those lines are excellent ways in which to release anger in a healthy way without taking it out on yourself.