Sexual Abuse: Coping, Recovery and Survival

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Yes, Gemme. I think it is like this . Do you have bad dreams? I do. Sometimes I start talking and my sleep walking comes into play.

I've had some dreams but I don't dream regularly anymore, which is a blessing, I suppose. I'm very good at compartimentalizing things, which is very helpful to me in being able to work on manageable parts of myself at a time.

Originally Posted by always2late

I agree with the postings above that one of the best ways to help a friend who has been abused is to listen. One of the components of abuse is secrecy. Victims are coerced or threatened not to speak. They are made to feel guilty and that feeling of guilt is compounded by remaining silent. Sometimes all a person needs is a kind, nonjudgemental ear. The very act of being able to speak of the abuse without fear of judgement or recrimination can be cleansing.

Absolutely. Secrecy is detrimental.

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Every individual can be such an impact. One never knows what others have endured.

So true.

[kassykit]

Thank you for this thread.....it's nice to know that there are others....

-hides-

[Andrew, Jr.]

I am just dropping by to say hi to everyone. I hope everyone is doing well.

Namaste,
Andrew

[Andrew, Jr.]

Bump de Bump Bump

[SweetChrissy]

Being sexually abused is a very touchy subject. I was sexually abused when I was 8 and it lasted until I was 13/14. I was never told to keep it a secret or I would be killed but that no one would believe me. There is alot I dont remember because I blocked it out of my memory. I do have bad dreams of being raped. I have been prescriped sleeping pills to stop the night terrors which it helps some of the time. I have been through therapy and continue to see a therapist on and off. My last therapist suggested the book called The Courage to Heal....they also have a workbook and its supposed to help out alot. I am having a hard time finding out where i am in the book because it works in stages. Just thought i would throw it out there and maybe someone else would benifit from it. peace and love

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by SweetChrissy

Being sexually abused is a very touchy subject. I was sexually abused when I was 8 and it lasted until I was 13/14. I was never told to keep it a secret or I would be killed but that no one would believe me. There is alot I dont remember because I blocked it out of my memory. I do have bad dreams of being raped. I have been prescriped sleeping pills to stop the night terrors which it helps some of the time. I have been through therapy and continue to see a therapist on and off. My last therapist suggested the book called The Courage to Heal....they also have a workbook and its supposed to help out alot. I am having a hard time finding out where i am in the book because it works in stages. Just thought i would throw it out there and maybe someone else would benifit from it. peace and love

Thanks for posting. I've also heard that The Courage to Heal is a wonderful help for many.

[SweetChrissy]

No thank you for starting this theard. Many people dont realize how common childhood sexual abuse really is.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

I am just dropping by to say hi to everyone. I hope everyone is doing well.

Namaste,
Andrew

Hello, Andrew!

I hope you are also well.