How do I find my true identity over again?

[Anonymous]

I’m really lost right now. I have a great law enforcement career but it’s the amount of disrespect I received returning home. It’s the personal trauma not job related that I went through that I am struggling to process. The personal trauma that really had me losing better opportunities. People kept trying to use me for their own gain while trying to set other people up. For example, individual told fake situations to people and had people coming to me disrespectful while finding out later I’m the police. It was understood that I don’t like for people to know my career in law enforcement or about my job. I have family members that respect that I don’t wanna be mentioned. Not having any friends hurts because of the loneliness. People passed rumors about me in order for people to stop talking to me. Just because I’m law enforcement I’m also human. I lost my identity somewhere because I’m lost who I am. I’m struggling with ptsd and it’s just not right

Updates

2 mo

Finding a different career isn't an option because law enforcement is my complete heart. I’m struggling trying to restore a part of my life now that I’m home for now. I returned to social media and discovered that people created this entire fake image of me while away which explains why people don’t wanna talk to me. I don’t care what people say about me but it’s a different thing when nobody won’t talk to me because of what you told them.

[Oliverlogan263]

Hey girl, that's a really tough spot to be in. Losing your sense of self and community can seriously shake a person. A few things that might help:

- Lean on support systems you know you can trust - close family, a counselor, even coworkers who get what you deal with. Talk through what you're feeling and let them lift you up.

- Give yourself time and space to heal. Be gentle with yourself as you process the trauma and figure out who you are beyond the job title. Don't rush it.

- Try picking up little hobbies and activities just for you - things that help boost self-care and confidence like working out, creative arts, volunteering. Focus on what makes you feel whole.

- Set boundaries clearly with anyone you can't fully trust. Don't be afraid to cut toxic ties if needed for your wellbeing. You come first.

- Consider joining support groups for other folks in law enforcement or survivors. Sharing helps remind you you're not alone.

It's okay to be lost for now - this too shall pass. With time and self-love, your true sense of purpose and identity will shine through again even brighter than before. You've got this sis! Lemme know if you ever wanna vent - we're all in your corner.

[laly520]

seek therapy

have lot of alone time n reflect on ur inner self

embrace urself more closer

[Asker]

I just started therapy now and it’s going amazing. A lot of my Leo coworkers are in therapy with me as well. Our supervisor thinks it’s the pressure we been under dealing with our personal life and job. we be out here dealing with things while our brains continue to clog up more.

[laly520]

best of luck
always make sure to love urself

[Asker]

Thank you so much! You just don’t know how emotional this made me! I completely forgot about myself and didn’t know I did. It’s a lot that comes up in therapy that I completely forgot about

[spoole]

See someone to help you. Stop hanging around monsters. Ask yourself why you are a monster magnet?