I just told my father about what my mother did to me as a kid. The “mild” sexual abuse, cruel mental abuse and the 3 years of staying at home alone for 14~ hours a day while also being kept from school and other kids.
I blocked out most memories. But because of the right combo of meds I don’t feel afraid or ashamed to confront this.
Two different psychiatrists told me I had ptsd from my childhood without me even telling them what happened.
Anyway, finally, my eyes are open and I can get the help I need.
It feels that way, although I’m edging closer to just crying, I mostly feel relieved and just, idk, almost happy to know what my next move is. Not so lost anymore.
i found that just in recognizing and confronting the fact that i had been abused as a child really set me free and helped me let go of the problems i had linked to it
Some day you may have the confidence to share with anyone and who cares what the scoffers say. But until then you need to get back on your feet and only need positive and supportive feedback. I mean it’s nothing you could have prevented but some people are just ruthless and like to feed on others tradgetys. Sad but true
Sounds like you are making progress in your recovery! Keep an eye out for new/worsening symptoms for a bit, and if they happen, remember that it’s just a natural, temporary response to processing more of your trauma. My therapist says processing trauma is like unclogging a drain. It can get really unpleasant and messy, but in the end, it makes things so much better.
You also shouldn’t feel like you have to revisit or unlock bad memories if you don’t feel safe doing so. Most therapists recommend not discussing specific traumatic events unless the memories of them are negatively impacting your current life.
Don’t try to force yourself to remember things. If your brain repressed a memory, it was for a good reason. Sometimes, memories will naturally resurface and need to be processed, but trying to force yourself to recall repressed memories usually ends badly.
I didn’t know that, thanks for the tips, regarding that first part reminds me something my sister warned me of last week when I was saying how much better I’m doing. She said something similar; like be prepared for bad days (or weeks+), just trust in the system and meds and things will get better again. So thanks for the wise words and that reminder.
I’ve been in therapy for nine months confronting my own sexual trauma. It helps. I even posted a profile on a dating website because I feel reignited now. Kudos to you for helping yourself!
Thanks for the words and support man. But I’m sorry you had past trauma too, but you sound very positive so I hope it’s going well for you. But really, the way you worded the advice portions are really relevant, so thank you for saying them,
Before I try and get some sleep I just wanted to add a blanket thank you to you guys. I wasn’t sure how to feel or how to get started but a lot of my concerns have been subsided thanks to the lot of y’all.
This forum is seriously good therapy with really special and wise users that are very willing to offer a helping hand.
Anyway, thank you so much, you guys are the closest thing I have to irl friends and your words both comfort and mean a lot to me.
