It goes without saying that people really don't like to dwell on difficult experiences, and most unless specifically trained to do so, would rather not involve themselves in other's personal conflicts. The concept of course is completely valid, but sadly still leaves affected individual with a lingering sense of that they couldn't possibly understand. So there it sits, deep inside them like an untreated infection.
On the outside, they appear like any ordinary person, while on the outside they are in a constant battle with their minds and bodies. To people like them, self included, telling our story and sharing our experiences is incredibly therapeutic. Just to pour it out of our heads at every now and then can make a significant difference in the way we feel. It does not of course eliminate the problems that caused our painful memories, but certainly helps to take some of the weight.
Not everyone can handle tough situations and there's nothing wrong with that. Just a little food for thought however; could you put yourself in our shoes and imagine the will and strength that it takes to just get through? If you can do that, then lending an ear will suddenly feel like a small request.
We are not looking for sympathy, and heaven knows we did not choose to be in the situations that brought us here. What we do want, and need is simply for someone to listen, understand and maybe tell us that everything is gonna be alright. We know honestly that our struggles won't disappear, but it sure helps to make us feel better for a while.
