I don't think the memories ever go away. Writing is my escape, along with drawing. Boards like these can help because it enables you to talk to people who are going through the same thing, or have been where you are. Therapy also helped. RAINN helped me find a book called the Courage to Heal which was incredibly helpful. Exercise helps me, especially when I run.

How everyone copes is different, but the important thing is that you can't hold the memories in. It does helps to talk about it. You don't have to share any more than you are comfortable sharing.

I hope you find peace.

Defiantly writing helps me I carry a journal everywhere I go and if I don't have it with me I'll type how I'm feeling into my phone in my memo

I would love to be able to tell you that the memories go away, but they don't.

I am speaking from my own experience, and please know that everyone is different, copes in their own way, and it takes as long as it takes for each person.

However, the do become easier to deal with. Eventually you get to a point where it is not the only thing you think about.

For me, it was about taking back my control. I had 2 choices. . 1 let this be the pne event that defined my life or 2 turn the worst event I have ever been through into something positive

Now, I counsel others, work with teenagers on education about domestic violence, and sexual assault, and work as an advocate for others navigating through a legal system that is not always supportive.

Hope this helps in some small way.

Therapy helped me a lot, Telling my story over and over made it easier to talk about and I noticed I don't get flash backs as much, even when I do now I just tell my self to think of something else instead, I moved on after 5 years. Writing also helped a lot. Good Luck! Hope this helps!

No the memories never go away, BUT they do get better. the one from when I was 15 doesnt bother me anymore. I have over come that one. But the one from 6mths ago haunts my dreams and my days, yet I saw him recently and realived he is more afraid of me and my memories than I am afraid of him. The fear was still there, but he isnt worth it. I have a wonderful life and he had to stoup that low to have someone of quality. they are not what rules us. as far as dreams you can do the 5 steps......5 things you can see in the room, name them out. 4things you can touch, 3 things you can see, 2things you can hear and have a silly band or rubber band on your arm, 1 pop the band and feel that you are here and not there. I hope you the best. And yes writing helps. I wish you the best. We are all there, that is why we are all here.