Life After Domestic Violence
The long term effects
The trauma from the abuse was harder enough to navigate when your dealing with long term effects from the Physical assult it’s like the constant reminder I don’t want, my life has forever changed and life looks very different.
One of the key members of my care team, the ear, nose, and throat specialist, is checking for any signs of infection in my ear and assessing my current balance. I'm learning how to manage the days when everything feels like it’s spinning due to vertigo, and the intensity of my migraine makes life a bit challenging. Some days, my bed feels like my closest companion, and all I crave is silence. This may not just be a single day; it can stretch over several, and it truly frustrates me. I often feel sluggish, my mental health suffers, and my to-do list seems to grow longer.
Adjusting to this reality has been a significant challenge for me. However, after discussing my situation with my specialist and coming to terms with the changes in my life, I learned that I am engaging in activities I shouldn’t be. Compared to where I was a year ago, my nervous system and brain are responding positively, my mind is becoming more at ease, and my systems are gradually calming down. In time my balance system will settle even if it makes life a little different.
But for now manging the balance system involves rest, sleep, and allowing my system downtime. I’m realizing that life must move at a slower pace, as recovery may never reach 100%. It’s about understanding how to repair the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. This process includes rewiring, implementing a special recovery plan, and having regular check-ups to monitor progress.
There is life after domestic violence; it may just take on a different appearance. Whether you are recovering from physical injuries or addressing mental scars, the journey is a process. It involves healing, rediscovering yourself, acknowledging what has occurred, and, most importantly, taking daily steps to reflect and move forward.