Megan Talks with Joy, a 40-year-old hairstylist, spin instructor, and mother. Married for 10 years, lived in Saskatchewan for 8 years, now back in British Columbia. Grew up in religious Filipino family, and attended Bible college

The Trauma

Drugged and raped at age 18
Event triggered repressed childhood memories
Led to shattered faith and intense shame

Coping Mechanisms (Early 20s)

Heavy partying and rave culture
Cocaine and drug use
Destructive self-talk and self-hatred
Used weekends as escape from pain

Healing Journey - Turning Points:

Met her now-husband who didn't use drugs
Stopped using drugs (initially for him, then for herself)
Having her daughter was the major catalyst for change

Healing Practices:

Daily mindset work and retraining negative self-talk
Therapy and journaling
Exercise (shifting from self-punishment to self-love)
Rebuilding spiritual relationship
Sharing her story with others

Key Messages

You are not alone - Sexual assault is tragically common
It's not your fault - Release shame and blame
Healing is possible - Takes daily work and time
Talk about it - Sharing diminishes trauma's power
You are not defined by your trauma - It's a chapter, not your identity

Current Life

Manages salon with 32 team members
Proud of her resilience and growth
Uses her platform to inspire others
Bounces back from challenges more quickly

Support Resources (Canada)

Talk for Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "Connect" to 686868
Website: endingviolencecanada.org/get-help
Joy's Instagram: @joyteschhair

Joy's Story - A Journey from Trauma to Healing