Nahhhh don’t worry about how you would sound writing in a journal. I keep mine hidden and don’t tell anyone around me about it. I do it in private and i write once every 2-3 days. Just updating what I’ve been up to, what I’m feeling, dreams or nightmares I’ve had (if i remember them) I don’t like to burden my partner or friends with negative thoughts I’ve had since I don’t want them to worry.

Lots of people journal. You can also do it in your notes app, you can just voice record it. Making a habit of it makes it easier

Things to do you can help yourself is journaling of course. You can write letters to the people who hurt you and really rip into them and what they did wrong, and then burn the letter. Getting adequate sleep, eating regularly, going for walks/moving your body are all things that help with mental health.

I know everyone says do these things, but they really do wonders to your mental well being. It won’t get you all the way recovered but it’ll build good habits and a foundation for when you’re able to seek professional support.

Im so sorry that happened to you. You deserved better than what you were given and it’s absolutely no excuse on your fathers end to have acted in that way.

Now that you are an adult though, there is nothing your father can do going forward to remedy the damage done. That is going to be your responsibility. I know this as I also had an abusive father and I still maintain communication with him.

Go to therapy, put in the leg work, write about it, and learn to accept what’s happened. It sounds harsh but that is the best thing you can do for yourself. You need to allow the hurt child that lives in you to rest. After that, if you can and feel comfortable initiating a conversation about it, go for it.