Being Survivor and Uncomfortable with selfies

I often struggle to take a selfie. What takes me time is not selecting the best photo, but dealing with the image of me reflected in the screen. Actually, the experience of taking selfies can be complex and deeply personal for survivors of ab*se. It is crucial to encourage a supportive and understanding environment where survivors feel safe expressing their feelings and emotions without judgment.

For those who find selfies difficult, alternative forms of self-expression and self-empowerment, such as journaling, art, or participating in support groups, can be encouraged as part of their healing journey. This is what I experienced thanks to Meti and their staff of facilitators.

Why can taking selfies be difficult for survivors of abuse?

1. Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues: the abuse may have left survivors feeling ashamed, unworthy, or uncomfortable in their bodies. Taking selfies and being confronted with their image may trigger negative feelings and memories.

2. Dissociation and Disconnection: when taking selfies, survivors may be confronted with their physical appearance, which can trigger feelings of disconnection or discomfort as they attempt to reconcile their external appearance with their internal emotional state.

3. Fear of Visibility and Vulnerability: taking selfies can let survivors feel vulnerable and expose them to the gaze of others, which can be triggering and evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, or a sense of being watched or judged.

4. Triggers and Memories: selfies can unintentionally act as triggers for survivors, reminding them of past abusive experiences or certain aspects of their appearance associated with the trauma, e.g. child pornography.

5. Lack of Self-Trust: survivors may struggle with trusting themselves and their perceptions due to the gaslighting and manipulation they may have experienced during the abusive relationship.

6. PTSD symptoms: survivors may experience flashbacks, anxiety, and a heightened startle response. Taking selfies, particularly in certain environments or with specific poses, may unintentionally evoke memories or sensations associated with the traumatic experiences, leading to emotional distress.