You can come back.
Sometimes the hard part isn't getting out. It's what comes after.
Whatever happened, you still deserve help. That's true even if:
- you didn't say no
- you kept it secret for a while
- you went along with something
- you sent something, took something, or went somewhere you were told not to
- you went back more than once
- you still care about the person
- you ignored warnings
None of that takes away your right to help.
Here are seven ways back. Use any of them, in any order:
You don't have to do them all. You don't have to do them perfectly.
Optional · What you might be feeling
You might feel more than one thing at once. That's normal. None of these feelings means leaving was wrong.
- Relief — It's okay to feel lighter.
- Grief — You can miss what you hoped it would be.
- Embarrassment — Being misled or hurt isn't something to be ashamed of.
- Anger — Anger can be a sign you know you deserved better.
- Fear — Tell someone what you're afraid might happen. PLAN can help.
- Missing them — This is common. It doesn't mean you have to go back. Tell a safe person when the missing gets loud.
- Confusion — You don't have to understand everything right now.
- Loyalty — You can care about someone and still stay away from what hurt you.
- Love — You can love someone and still need distance from what is hurting you.
Optional · Faith
Grace can make room for healing without requiring you to return to what harmed you.
Doors