Joy's Story - A Journey from Trauma to Healing

Megan Talks with Joy, a 40-year-old hairstylist, spin instructor, and mother.  Married for 10 years, lived in Saskatchewan for 8 years, now back in British Columbia.  Grew up in religious Filipino family, and attended Bible college The Trauma Drugged and raped at age 18 Event triggered repressed childhood memories Led to shattered faith and intense shame Coping Mechanisms (Early 20s) Heavy partying and rave culture Cocaine and drug use Destructive self-talk and self-hatred Used weekends as escape from pain Healing Journey - Turning Points: Met her now-husband who didn't use drugs Stopped using drugs (initially for him, then for herself) Having her daughter was the major catalyst for change Healing Practices: Daily mindset work and retraining negative self-talk Therapy and journaling Exercise (shifting from self-punishment to self-love) Rebuilding spiritual relationship Sharing her story with others Key Messages You are not alone - Sexual assault is tragically common It's not your fault - Release shame and blame Healing is possible - Takes daily work and time Talk about it - Sharing diminishes trauma's power You are not defined by your trauma - It's a chapter, not your identity Current Life Manages salon with 32 team members Proud of her resilience and growth Uses her platform to inspire others Bounces back from challenges more quickly Support Resources (Canada) Talk for Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "Connect" to 686868 Website: endingviolencecanada.org/get-help Joy's Instagram: @joyteschhair