Victim Support

If you have more to share please feel free to!

Some Site Resources:

https://fightcybercrime.org/peer-support/

https://giveanhour.org/

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox

https://online.hpu.edu/blog/wellness-toolbox/

https://clinical-practice-and-epidemiology-in-mental-health.com/VOLUME/16/PAGE/24/FULLTEXT/

I am still on my journey with finding support, but I am fortunate to also have had a lot of resources from trying to manage my CPTSD over the years. 

With what has happened I have been pulling out my tool box and remembering therapy sessions and also staying in contact with my mental health provider.

Romance Scams and really ANY Type of Scam that exploitation and manipulation is used, is a form of emotional rape. We are not only lost with financial funding/moneys but also the sense of trust with others around us in general. Victims of scammers have been manipulated, exploited for others gains, and abandoned to gather the shattered pieces up to move on - and it is not an easy thing. 

Getting help and going to therapy is not just for people with mental health disorders or diseases. Going to therapy can be a guide to help someone through a job change, life change, or trauma (which being a victim of scam I feel justifies to be in this category with what I have went through), or just in general getting better help with mental health which every human partakes in mental health. 

As a community I really believe victims need to talk more and have a safe place to talk and recover, just like so many other shaming things; the more we assist one another- the better this world will be some day.

Part of my tool box, for an example is:

• Meditate 
• there is so many resources and types- if you don't like the one, try to go find another.
• That I am allowed to take a break , but not to get stuck on a break. 
• EMOTIONS and FEELINGS- We are allowed to feel and express feelings and emotions in healthy ways, staying safe. some times just making the statement of "I feel so angry!" etc can assist to process these emotions and thoughts. 
• IF you are having suicidal thoughts- and are unsure how to handle them, PLEASE reach out to help. Idealization can grow, and depression can develop, and a black hole of thoughts can be consuming. 
• Suicide Hotline Number: 800-273-8255 or dial 911
• Ensuring I am going out side (my dog helps so much with that)
• Self care (get sleep, shower, dress, brush teeth, etc.)
• I also love float tank therapy
• Journal/diary 
• Been writing a lot in my journal, breaking down what happened, and part of myself that I need to work on as well.
• I have been writing about how MY DREAM and GOALS are STILL Mine! 
• I WILL REBUILD
• In the romance scam I also have added a few things in what I would want in a relationship and also identified things I can and will do on my own. 
• Talking with a trusted friend or person *if you don't have this I still encourage you to find some outlet to talk with others in a safe place. 
• IF you talk to someone and they make you feel more like shit- avoid talking to that person, they may not have the capacity to understand and be compassionate.
• Remind myself why I stay sober.
• Not to isolate myself
• Reminding myself of a lot of therapy in the past decade that has helped me manage my CPTSD, which ranges from self talk, (CBT and DBT practices), reminding my self of my own beliefs (like we are forever still learning and we make mistakes and keep going).
• I haven't went back to painting yet, but I have doodled a few things since this has happened, which for me is important, as that is my creativity side and it helps keep me - me!
• I will be able to enjoy the small things again, and try to every day - as it will grow (it has grown!).

Suicide Hotline information- you can chat too with them if you don't want to call.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

The Lifeline and 988
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.