Madeline Popelka

Sharing what I needed to hear on my healing journey. 💫 By trauma survivor @madypopelka. I spend most of my time on IG: @healingfromptsd

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

It’s exhausting trying to heal while dealing with the stress of everyday life. So if you’re still going, I’m proud of you.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Them: “Just think positive!”

Me:

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

The party host once I mention trauma or depression:

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Me once I've reached my capacity for socializing:

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

My former therapist abruptly ending our sessions:

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Me trying to run from my problems:

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Me once the CBD hits:

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

After struggling with PTSD, I’ll never take a good night's sleep for granted again.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

People often undermine the severity of mental health conditions. When they can’t “see it,” it isn’t real to them.

Just because you can’t see someone’s pain doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Just because you fail, it doesn't make you a failure.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

It makes sense that survivors of childhood trauma struggle with self-esteem. When you’re a child, you don’t have the capacity to identify the flaws of parents/caregivers/adults, so it’s easy to believe that *you* are the problem.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Pointing out what a survivor should have done differently to prevent their trauma is still victim-blaming.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

@Jessicka @PAVEinfo @HorowitzLana @wagatwe @TheJHF @_endsexualabuse @RAINN @emrazz @calpernia @rhian 💛💛💛

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

The world would feel a whole lot safer if people stopped victim-blaming.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

April is #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth. Here’s what survivors in this community wish more people knew about sexual assault.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Your needs matter.
Your feelings matter.
Your pain matters.
Your voice matters.
Your health matters.
Your healing matters.
Your happiness matters.
YOU matter.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

1. Finished writing and published my book
2. Came to terms with my sexuality
3. Got divorced and then fell in love with an incredible woman

The past 3 years have been incredibly hard, but I'm now the happiest I've ever been. 💫

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Being told “the past is the past” as a trauma survivor can feel dismissive. Just because time has passed doesn’t mean we’re no longer living with pain.

[Madeline Popelka @healingfromptsd]

Me riding out my emotions: