181. MJ: A Few Minutes That Changed Everything

In this powerful interview, MJ shares her journey through sexual assault, dissociation, and healing. We explore trauma's impact on the body and mind, the importance of support systems, and pathways to recovery. Discover the profound insights from MJ, a university student and trauma advocate, as she shares her story of resilience and healing after sexual assault. Trauma can alter the course of our lives in unimaginable ways; her journey through trauma began during her sophomore year. In this post, we'll explore the insights she shared during our conversation about how trauma impacts the mind and body, and the steps toward healing that can inspire others. MJ is a passionate advocate for mental health and trauma recovery, She reached out to share her story after being inspired by the podcast "What They Don't Say." Her experiences have shaped her desire to help others navigate their own trauma journeys, and she aims to work in trauma-informed care after graduation. MJ's experience of sexual assault during her sophomore year marked a turning point in her life. She recalls the moment vividly, stating, "If that short few minutes of my life never happened, my life would be in a completely different trajectory." This realization highlights how pivotal moments can redefine one's identity and path. During a fraternity party, MJ encountered a situation that escalated into sexual assault. She describes feeling paralyzed and unable to voice her discomfort, which is a common reaction among trauma survivors. "I kept moving towards the side of the bed… to tell him that I was not comfortable with his touch, but he continued to do it," she recalls. This experience underscores a harsh reality: the struggle for consent and the trauma that follows. One of the critical insights from MJ's story is her experience with dissociation. As a protective mechanism during the assault, she felt detached from her body. "It was like I was separate from myself," she explained. This response is not uncommon among survivors and can complicate the healing process. Understanding dissociation is vital for trauma-informed care. MJ's journey toward healing involved significant steps, both personally and academically. After a year, she reported her experience to her university and engaged with the Title IX process. She emphasized the importance of seeking support, saying, "The morning after was crucial, as I received support from my best friends." This support system played a vital role in her recovery. MJ has explored various therapeutic modalities, including internal family systems and somatic therapies. She shared, "In those times, I can come back to my body and really feel it in a controlled setting." This highlights the importance of finding therapies that resonate with individual experiences, as healing is not one-size-fits-all. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these conversations, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on your podcast platform—it truly helps more people find these stories. You can also follow Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on Instagram and send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and you feel like you might be ready to share your story—whether for your own healing or to help someone else—reach out to me. We can start a conversation, with no pressure and no expectations. You can email me directly at dave@sasstories.com. Please include a phone number where I can reach you, because I genuinely prefer to talk with people who are considering guesting. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out—and please keep those emails coming. I truly look forward to hearing from you. Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore. Where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so. Thank you—for listening, for believing survivors, and for being part of this community. https://documenttheabuse.org https://hassl.uk/ https://saprea.org/ https://whattheydontsay.com https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.orgAs mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. (Check out https://evawintl.org/ & https://startbybelieving.org for more information on "Start By Believing"!) Thank you for tuning in. --Dave