Trauma & Empathy is an online social platform for where people can share their childhood memories, including memories that are part of childhood trauma.
2. Who can use this platform?
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Anyone over 18 who wants to share their memories and connect with others who've been through similar experiences.
3. Do I need to post something to use the platform?
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Nope! You can browse other people's memories and empathize with them by clicking on tags. Likewise, you can save memories that are meaningful and resonate with you, without needing to post anything.
4. Is Trauma & Empathy a replacement for therapy?
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Not at all! We are here to support and connect you, but our site is not a substitute for therapy. If you're just starting out on your healing journey or are dealing with intense emotions, working with a therapist is the way to go.
5. How does your platform differ from trauma communities on Reddit or Facebook groups?
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You're right! There are many similarities. But here are the key differences:
Specialized vs. Generalized: Trauma & Empathy is designed for sharing childhood memories. Every feature reflects our trauma-informed philosophy, creating a space that fosters empathy, support, and healing.
Quick Memories vs Life Summaries: When you share your childhood trauma on Trauma & Empathy, it's like making quick TikToks or YouTube Shorts of your past—while sharing trauma on other platforms is like watching and summarizing the movie of your entire life.
Privacy and Safety
1. Is my identity anonymous?
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Yes, your identity is completely anonymous. Your posts are linked to a randomly generated handle like AB1234.
2. Can I keep my memory private?
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Absolutely. You can save your memory as private and even share it only with people you trust, like a therapist.
3. How does the platform ensure my shared memories are private and secure?
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Your identity is completely anonymous, and you control whether your memory is shared publicly or kept private. We take privacy seriously!
4. Can others see my posts?
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If your memory is public anyone on the site can see it. If it's shared with a link, only those with the link can see it. If it's private, only you can see it.
5. Are my posts moderated or reviewed here?
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Yes! Posts are reviewed by our moderators to make sure it aligns with our guidelines and keeps the platform safe and supportive.
6. What steps are taken to prevent harassment or triggering content on the platform?
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We review posts, provide clear community guidelines, and offer tools for reporting anything inappropriate or harmful.
Photo Uploads
1. Can I upload photos with my memories?
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Yes! You can upload photos of yourself as a child to accompany your memories. Photos can help make your memories more vivid and meaningful.
2. Will uploading my childhood photo affect my anonymity?
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Yes! Sharing your childhood photo does reduce your anonymity protection somewhat. Even though your posts are still connected to a random handle, your childhood photo could potentially be recognized by someone who knew you. Only share photos if you're comfortable with this possibility.
3. What kind of photos can I upload?
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You can only upload photos of yourself as a child (under 18), with no other people in them. The photos should relate to the memories you're sharing and shouldn't contain identifying information like school names, addresses, or name tags.
4. Why can't I upload photos with other people in them?
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To protect everyone's privacy, we only allow photos of you alone. This keeps the focus on your story and prevents sharing images of others who haven't consented to be on this platform. If you have a group photo, you'd need to crop it to show only yourself.
5. Are there any photos I shouldn't upload?
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Yes, please don't upload photos that show: you in vulnerable situations (like bathing); you in underwear or states of undress; signs of abuse or neglect; you in identifiable institutional settings; or any photos with other people. Our full photo guidelines are available in our Terms of Use.
6. Do I have to upload a photo with my memory?
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Not at all! Photo uploads are completely optional. Many users share their memories without photos, and that's perfectly fine. Share only what you're comfortable with.
7. What happens if my photo doesn't follow the guidelines?
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Our moderators review all photos. If yours doesn't meet our guidelines, it will be removed. We do this to keep the platform safe and supportive for everyone.
Using the Platform
1. How do I share a memory?
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Click on the button at the top of the Home page and follow the steps. It's simple and designed to guide you through the process.
2. What if I don't remember my childhood memories?
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It's common to have fragmented or unclear memories from childhood, especially if you experienced trauma. Share whatever comes to mind−no detail is too small. Even a single feeling, moment, or image can be meaningful.
3. Do I need to remember everything perfectly to share my memory?
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This isn't about remembering everything perfectly. It's about exploring what you do remember and connecting with others who may have felt the same way.
4. Can I edit or delete a memory later?
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Yes, you can always go back and edit or delete your memory whenever you want.
5. What is the difference between happy, bittersweet, and unhappy memories?
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Happy memories are uplifting, bittersweet ones mix good and bad, and unhappy memories focus on tough moments. These categories can help organize your experiences.
6. What is the purpose of tagging my memory?
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Tags help you organize and describe your memory in detail. You can add optional tags like your age at the time, what took place, ongoing or sudden challenges, and others. These tags make it easier for others to understand and empathize with your experience.
7. Can I include sensory details (like sights, sounds, and smells) in my memory?
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Absolutely! These details make your memory more vivid and relatable.
8. Is my memory public or private?
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You can choose whether your memory is posted privately, only for you to see, or share it publicly.
Emotional Considerations
1. How do I post without re-triggering myself?
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If you're worried about being triggered, check out our section on Tips on How to Share Sensitively. It offers tips and guidelines to help you navigate this process with care.
2. What if I find someone else's post triggering?
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If a post feels too much, you can step away, hide or report the content. Your emotional well-being comes first!
3. How does Trauma & Empathy support users who are emotionally affected by their memories?
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We offer tools like tagging and private posting for self-reflection and sharing your posts with the therapist via private links. We are not therapists, that's why we encourage you to work on your trauma with a qualified professional.
4. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed while using the platform?
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Pause, take deep breaths, and step away if needed. If it feels like too much, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support.
5. Will sharing my memories help me heal?
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Many users find that sharing helps them process their past and connect with others. While it's not therapy, it can be a meaningful step in your journey.
Technical and Account Questions
1. Do I need an account to use Trauma & Empathy?
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Yes, you'll need an account to post or connect, but you can browse without one.
2. What happens if I forget my login details?
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Don't worry! You can reset your password easily using your email.
3. Can I report a post that I find inappropriate or harmful?
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Absolutely. Just click the 'Report' button on the post, and we'll review it as soon as possible.
4. How do I close or delete my account?
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You can close or delete your account from your profile settings or contact us for help.
5. How do I contact you?
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Reach out to us through the 'Contact Us' page inside your Account. We're here to help!
For New Users
1. I've never shared my trauma before—how do I start?
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Start small. Focus on one specific memory, even if it's just a moment or feeling. You can always add more details later.
2. What kinds of memories are appropriate to share on this platform?
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Anything from your childhood that shaped you—happy, bittersweet, or tough moments. Just make sure it aligns with our guidelines.
3. What if I'm not ready to share publicly?
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That's totally fine! You can save your memory privately and share it only when you feel ready.
4. Are there any examples of memories I can look at for inspiration?
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Yes! Browse the platform to see how others have shared their memories—it's a great way to get started.
5. Are there childhood memories I should not share here?
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While we welcome most childhood memories, this platform isn't the right place for first-time disclosures of childhood abuse, molestation, or other serious traumatic experiences. If you haven't previously shared these experiences with a professional or appropriate authority, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional first. Remember, this platform complements professional support but doesn't replace it. Your wellbeing is our priority, and some memories benefit from professional guidance before being shared in a community setting.
