Unfortunately, only because its really difficult at times, I think it is best to talk. Often new memories will come up or something will trigger a memory or feeling or action.

Perhaps talking can limit us in the way we get this stuff out. Perhaps we need to look to the word COMMUNCIATION in my opinion. This then allows us to communicate the memories and everythign associated with them through such mediums as art, music, dance, acting, writing, painting (the list is endless) I guess what im trying to say is that getting it out in the open whether its within the confines of ones own private journal or beign shared within a large forum on a world stage is a lot better than keeping it in your head.

Like I said its damn hard but I think ultimately it beats keeping it all locked away within our own brains where we can only in the end drive ourselves crazy with it.

I found talking helps and I am known for locking away my feelings and secrets, but now I try to talk because at least there will allways be someone who will try to understand you

Talking about it is the hardest thing to do, because when you verbally hear the words come out of your mouth, then you can't deny that it really happened. But even though it's hard, i think you should deffinately talk about it. as I think the question is where, when and to whom. You don't want to just share with anyone,cuz that can backfire. Make sure it's someone you can trust and make sure you're in a comfortable safe setting. It wouldn't be a dinner discussion,even with your bf. i think if it just happens to come up, then share a little, but then maybe plan a time when you can talk about it more seriously.But when your ready, that way you don't feel like you just spilled your guts and you can't go back. but i will tell you, do it when you're ready, but don't take to long cuz if you don't face it head on, it''l bite you in the butt when you least expect it and then you'll really regret it! I find it helps to to find someone who's not my family or even my best friend to share the details with, because then you won't feel that you're revealing to much! With boyfriends it's hard cuz there maybe a point when you must share it with them, because of you emotions or even physical issues,but again i think the key is to acknowledge that it bothers you and let it out in peices. Unless you're alone, in which case i say cry like a baby if you need to!

I think it's best to talk about it, especially with a trained therapist. If you don't it comes out in other ways, and yeah it brings up a lot of painful emotions but they need to be recongnized and worked thru. Good-luck and hugs!

If you just forget it all, it is dissaociating and it will never be processed. It takes time to heal. but by dimissing it in thought, you can't move forward.

I've done both. Years and years of not talking about it and then now I talk about it once I am comfortable in a relationship with someone and the timing seems right. I have found that talking about it really does help. I went through about two years of being a mess dealing with it after I talked about it for the first time. I have gotten to this place where I have decided that it is not something to be ashamed of, it is something that happened to me and it does have a impact on who I am today. I'll talk about it as soon as I am comfortable and the timing seems to work.

Yes, it is hard to know how to start the conversation. It depends on who I am talking to and a host of other factors. But I've gotten so that telling someone about it sure, it has an impact on me, and I get nervous and shake as I am telling it but it's helpful.

I encourage you to continue to talk about it. Bottling it up can spell trouble later on down the line. I nearly died trying to keep my secret a secret. Try writing about it coming at it from any angle you want to. Try anything that you enjoy as an outlet.

It's hard work but talking and talking and talking with trusted people ultimately has such a wonderous impact.

Good luck

i think talking will help you heal. do you have a therapist? They can be really good to talk to, to vent and they can give good advice and help you to help yourself. its great you have your bf's support.
you cant make it disappear and that probably isnt healthy but you can reach a place of peace where you can lead a normal life without the abuse ruling your life. you may just need to work through it properly, acknowledge it, grieve and move on with your life.
i wish you all the best

ok so every one says talk about it im still scared and unsure where too start on this topic and no counciler or anything

right, it's sorta like reliving it isn't it? Well considering you are 22 and willing to look at this now, i recommend to speak to a professional. You bf, although supportive, cannot give you the insights a trained therapist can.
I was just noticing how many of us have kept this bottled up for over 20-30 years. Do it now. You start living your live for YOU sooner. Really Big Huge.
Life is so short. It's going to take courage, no one here is telling you it's easy, but we will help you, too because we've been there and we KNOW your happiness is an entitlement and that you are WORTH IT. Your life is so precious, don't waste it. Stuffing it merely causes it to fester subconsciously and for you to act out in self-limiting and damaging ways that affect your relationships and health.. And the healing you'll find will make you stronger than you ever imagined you could be.

Read this post and Replies it might help:

http://dailystrength.org/c/Sexual_Abuse/forum/5933483-confused

I think it all depends on the situation. I totally understand, because that's what happened to me. I could think about it and then suddenly make it disappear, but not after I told someone about it. Then my therapist wanted me to talk about it. Flashbacks really started wailing on me then. It sucks. But I think the more you talk, the worse it gets, and then finally at the "end" it will all suddenly stop. That's my take on it. =/

Hiding it keeps it in the dark.Bring it out to the light and you will feel some what better.Anything kept inside for long periods of time is not good for you.Let it out, let it all out.