I have people in my life who support me now. My family, the ones I live with, and my HOME Society and support workers — they are there when I need them. That might sound simple, but for me, it means everything. They make me feel safe. They make me feel loved. And some days, that is the thing that keeps me going.

Support does not always look the way I expected. When people come to talk to me, my first feeling is usually fear. I think I am in trouble. That is just what my mind does — it learned to expect the worst. But slowly, I am learning that someone checking in does not always mean something is wrong. Sometimes it just means they care. That has been a surprise I am still getting used to.

I like to do my own things. I value my independence, and that does not go away just because I have been through hard times. But knowing support is there when I need it — that helps. It is not about someone always being right beside me. It is about knowing I do not have to face everything alone.

If I could say something to the people who support me, it would be this: listen to me. Support me as I need it. Love me and make me feel safe. That is what I need most.

And if you are someone who wants to support a survivor but does not know how, I want you to know — there is no perfect way. You do not need a script. Sometimes a survivor starts talking in the middle of something ordinary, like sitting in a car. Just be there. Lend an ear. That moment of feeling heard can matter more than you know.

To anyone reading this who is still finding their way — you deserve people who make you feel safe too. That kind of support exists. And you are worth it.