Friendsarefamily

I reached out to a good friend last night and we chatted for a bit. He used to live in the same community as me, and we clicked instantly when we met over a year and a half ago. He’s actually living in the community where I’m moving soon, so it’ll be great to see each other more frequently again.

It’s hard to talk to some of my friends and family back home because they don’t live in the community in which I live. It’s very rural and remote and a sub-arctic community. It’s a bit of an adventure, but it’s also very isolated and sometimes I isolate myself further, especially when my PTSD is acting up and I don’t feel safe. Sometimes it’s hard to explain how I’m feeling, but with this friend, he understands and he also was there for me immediately after my assault. He went with me to the police to make the report and has helped me talk through things. We also talk about some of his challenges, so I’m mindful that this be a reciprocal relationship and not totally one-sided.

I’m glad we connected last night. I hope that it’ll get a little easier each day until I leave here. I’m breaking down the task of packing room by room, and it doesn’t feel as overwhelming. I know that my mental health isn’t going to be 100% wonderful just because I move, but after talking it through with my counsellor, I know that living here is incredibly triggering and making things worse. I’ll still have to manage this, and likely will for the rest of my life, but at least I won’t be so isolated and alone. I’ll have more friends to hang out with and more options for activities and travel. Right now, the only way in and out of the community is by plane, snowmobile in the winter and boat in the summer. It’s really expensive to go home for a visit, but from the new community, it’s cheaper and easier.

I’m so happy that I have good friends and family who support me. I know that many people don’t have that, and I am truly grateful for having support.