From No Contact to Creative Expression: My Millennial Journey Inspired by Comics

Starting the journey of going no contact with family is never easy, especially as a millennial navigating the complex web of generational trauma. For me, this decision was born out of necessity—a way to protect my mental health and begin healing from family trauma that had shaped much of my early life. Yet, the silence that followed was not empty. It became a space where I could explore my pain, my resilience, and ultimately, my creativity.

Today, I want to share how creating the comic series Belza helped me find a voice for my experience. Through storytelling through comics, I discovered my powerful way of using art to heal and turn trauma into something meaningful. This post is about that transformation—from silence to expression, from pain to passion.

A woman in thoughtful reflection discusses relationships during a therapy session.

Belza comic sketchbook showing the early stages of creative trauma healing

The Weight of Generational Trauma

Growing up, I felt the invisible chains of generational trauma tightening around me. Patterns of neglect, emotional abuse, and misunderstanding were passed down like heirlooms, shaping how I saw myself and the world. Going no contact, I faced the challenge of breaking these cycles while dealing with the loneliness and guilt that often come with cutting ties.

The decision to stop communication with my parent was not sudden. It was a slow, painful process of recognizing that some wounds could not heal without distance. Going no contact with family meant facing the reality of lost time, but it also opened a door to trauma recovery that I hadn’t dared to explore before.

Finding Belza: A Mirror for My Story

I got the idea for Belza during a particularly dark period. The comic series, with its raw and honest portrayal of a character wrestling with inner demons and external conflicts, is unfolding to become my inner trauma pouring out, but in a way that doesn't hurt. It is more than entertainment—it's a reflection of my own struggles mentally.

Belza uses storytelling through comics to explore themes of pain, resilience, and transformation. The character’s mental journey mirrors my own path, showing me that my story was valid and worth telling. This connection sparked a creative fire inside me.

Using Art to Heal: My Creative Trauma Healing Process

Inspired by Belza, I began to channel my emotions into drawing and writing. This is not just a hobby; it's become a form of therapy. Each panel I created was a step toward understanding my trauma and reclaiming my narrative.

Here’s how I approached this process:

• Journaling emotions before sketching helped me clarify what I wanted to express.

• Creating characters based on my feelings allowed me to externalize pain and hope.

• Experimenting with dark imagery reflecting the duality of trauma and healing.

• Sharing my work with a small community of comic readers and survivors.

  
  

This method of creative trauma healing gave me a sense of control and purpose. It transformed my silence into a story that others could relate to.

Digital comic art inspired by personal trauma recovery and creative expression

Why Millennials Are Turning to No Contact and Creative Outlets

Many millennials like me are choosing going no contact with family as a way to protect their mental health. This generation faces unique pressures: economic instability, social change, and the lingering effects of generational trauma. The traditional family model often fails to provide the support needed for healing.

At the same time, millennials are finding new ways to cope and express themselves. Using art to heal has become a popular and effective tool. Comics, in particular, offer a unique blend of visual storytelling and emotional depth that can capture complex experiences in accessible ways.

For those struggling with family trauma, creative outlets can:

• Provide a safe space to explore difficult emotions

• Help articulate feelings that are hard to put into words

• Build community with others who share similar experiences

• Foster empowerment by turning pain into art

  
  

Moving Forward: Sharing My Story Through Belza

My journey from millennial no contact to creative expression is ongoing. Belza gave me a framework to tell my story, but the real power comes from sharing it. By opening up about my experience, I hope to encourage others to find their own paths to healing.

If you are considering going no contact with family or are in the midst of trauma recovery, remember that your story matters. Whether through comics, writing, music, or any form of art, you can turn your pain into something that heals and inspires.

Connect with others: seek out communities that support survivors and creatives. Sharing your work can be a powerful part of healing.

Keep moving forward: healing from family trauma is not linear. Celebrate your progress and be gentle with setbacks.

Through Belza and my own art, I found a way to reclaim my voice and build a future beyond the pain.