Why These 3 Words From Kamala Harris Are Important to Me as a Trauma Survivor
Editor's Note
If you’ve experienced domestic violence or emotional abuse, sexual abuse or assault, the following post could be potentially triggering.
You can contact The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
You can contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline online by selecting “chat now” or calling 1-800-799-7233.
You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
“I am speaking.” — Kamala Harris.
During the vice-presidential debate of 2020, Harris stated this quote when she was being interrupted. Now, I am not trying to get into politics, as it causes more stress for everyone. Instead, I want to explain why the quote “I am speaking” is so empowering to me as a trauma survivor.
Unfortunately, trauma and abuse are not uncommon. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are extreme and difficult to manage. No matter the trauma that a person has gone through, it is often difficult to find their voice and advocate for themselves once again. Instead, it is easier to hide away and remain quiet, in hopes that you will be overlooked and nothing bad will again happen to you. However, this causes more harm than good, suppressing emotions and worsening PTSD.
I witnessed and endured several years of emotional abuse. I still struggle with dissociation and flashbacks daily and have to fight every day to leave my house, for fear that the trauma will be repeated. I spent years in silence, coping by being submissive to the abuse and agreeing with the terrible things that were said and what I heard. I thought, “it’s easier to agree, right? That way he’ll stop yelling and it will all be over sooner.” But, as anyone who has endured abuse knows, it does not end by being submissive. In fact, it does not end until you remove yourself from the harmful situation.
So, why is the simple phrase, “I am speaking” so powerful? Because it gives women and men a voice. It gives women and men the courage to stand up for themselves, to let them express that their words are just as important to those of others. No one should suffer in silence. No one should be told that they are worthless. No one should think that what they have to say is not important. No one should be afraid to speak up and advocate for themselves. From now on, let us embrace the confidence to stand up for ourselves. I am speaking and no one can stop me.
Image via YouTube
Kalee is a 25 year old who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Gastroparesis. Along with these physical illnesses, Kalee also has dealt with many mental illnesses including Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and Anorexia Nervosa. She writes to share her story in order to encourage others to continue living.
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