I can’t call my trauma what it is. Maybe I’m weak. Maybe I’m just a coward who’s failing at healing

[Water-Lily]

So, I was reading this articular that talked about a woman coming to terms with assault

How it took her years to call what she experienced the "r" word because she didn't want to be part of a statistic/admit what happened was so bad

So she would use other less "intimidating" words to help her cope

But all it did was put her in denial

It took her 10 years to call what she experienced as the "r" word. And she had to accept that healing was not linear at all

Now what I'm referring to in my situation is not that. But I find that I refer to my own traumatic experiences as other "softer" words

And if by that logic I'm in denial (I've had people call me out on my unwillingness to call my trauma what it is) that means I'm healing wrong :(

 

[Whale_bones]

It took her 10 years to call what she experienced as the "r" word. And she had to accept that healing was not linear at all

Now what I'm referring to in my situation is not that. But I find that I refer to my own traumatic experiences as other "softer" words

And if by that logic I'm in denial (I've had people call me out on my unwillingness to call my trauma what it is) that means I'm healing wrong :(

The woman in the article was telling her story, she wasn't telling your story. For her, using other terminology contributed to her staying in denial, but that doesn't mean it does for you. You have the right to talk about your experience or not talk about it, and anyone who you do speak about it to should treat that choice with respect, and recognize that it's not their place to "call you out" on the words you use. Keep healing in whatever ways are right for you.

 

[brokeandbroken]

So, I was reading this articular that talked about a woman coming to terms with assault

How it took her years to call what she experienced the "r" word because she didn't want to be part of a statistic/admit what happened was so bad

So she would use other less "intimidating" words to help her cope

But all it did was put her in denial

It took her 10 years to call what she experienced as the "r" word. And she had to accept that healing was not linear at all

Now what I'm referring to in my situation is not that. But I find that I refer to my own traumatic experiences as other "softer" words

And if by that logic I'm in denial (I've had people call me out on my unwillingness to call my trauma what it is) that means I'm healing wrong :(

As long as you know what occurred reframing it is completely healthy.