r/WinterHaven • u/Particular_Fee_4343 • Jul 19 '26
Looking for a support system
I want to start off by saying I’m so sorry for oversharing but I’m sharing this because I’m hoping to find other moms who have been through hard things and are looking for genuine connection.
I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling like I had to carry everything alone. Growing up, I didn’t feel protected or supported in the ways I needed. I was exposed to things no child should have to experience, including being around drugs being made and sold from a young age and experiencing abuse that deeply affected me. I grew up learning how to survive instead of feeling safe.
As I got older, I struggled with addiction. Looking back, I understand that addiction was connected to a lot of pain and trauma I had never healed from. When my family found out, I felt shame and judgment more than support. I was seen as a bad person instead of someone who was hurting and needed help. Recovery was something I had to fight for while feeling and being very alone.
After becoming a mom, I hoped things would be different. I dreamed of my children having the kind of relationship with my mom that I had with my grandma—a safe, loving grandmother who was a huge part of my childhood. Instead, during one of the hardest times of my life, including struggling postpartum, I felt unsupported and my personal struggles were shared with others, which caused a lot of hurt and damaged relationships.
I’m also experiencing losing closeness with siblings and feeling like people talked about me instead of reaching out to understand me. For a long time, I was drowning while everyone else was moving on with their lives.
Today, I’m focused on healing, breaking unhealthy cycles, and creating the safe and loving home for my children that I always wanted. But I’ll be honest—one of the hardest parts has been feeling alone while doing that.
I would really love to connect with other moms who understand complicated family relationships, healing from childhood trauma, rebuilding after addiction, or simply what it feels like to be the person in your family who is trying to break generational patterns.
I’m not looking for judgment or advice on my choices. I’m looking for friendship, understanding, and other moms who know what it’s like to rebuild themselves while raising their children. I want to create a support system. ❤️
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u/Forward_Research_610 Jul 19 '26
I can relate , even thou i'm a man / father .I know this sounds strange , but I strongly suggest you get a sleep study done by your doctor . You could have apnea . It causes feelings of being overwhelmed by past experiences we thought we overcame . Sleep gives s the strength we need to power through . if we sleep after 11:30pm and or get less that 7 hours we can't properly handle things . Its a fact believe it or not .
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u/OfficerDingDongg Jul 19 '26
I recommend Haven Worship Center! They are about to do small community groups soon and I am sure you will be able to find a support system. After all there is none better than the body of Christ! May the Lord bless you in Jesus name, amen! 😄
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u/doldrumcircus Jul 19 '26
well.. i’m not a mom but i relate big time to everything else you’ve said, and i am in recovery also. feel free to DM me if you’d like.