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Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
9. I too had a difficult time identifying my childhood experiences
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:11 AM
Mar 2013

even though my memories were vivid, I was never
physically overpowered or violently abused. It was subtle
and it was dark and it was dirty and it went on for years.
I loathed my body, I was numb, and I knew that
no matter how hard I tried to be a good person, deep
down I was bad, wrong, ugly, and undeserving.
I starved and scarred and burned and cut myself, I
tried to die.

It seems the long-term effects are nearly universal for
survivors of sexual abuse, whether the abuse was violent
and traumatic, or ongoing and less easy to identify, or
even in cases where the child is a "willing" participant..
there are common manifestations, lifelong impact.

I relate to so much of what you wrote, thank you.
Healing, and learning, it's taking me a lifetime.
At 60 I am feeling what most children feel toward sex.
"Ew, gross"

I had tucked those feelings far away, deep in my
bones. They're working their way to the surface,
along with the many tears. Takes a lifetime.

Recommendations

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I am truly sorry you experienced all of this. In_The_Wind Mar 2013 #1
Thank you, sincerely. I am also sorry for the things you've endured. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #4
My only wish is that we find peace. In_The_Wind Mar 2013 #5
That is understandable. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #8
I really am trying. I want to unpack all of this baggage, discard it, go on. In_The_Wind Mar 2013 #10
"First and foremost ... do no harm to myself." FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #12
Indeed! I love me the most. In_The_Wind Mar 2013 #13
Bravo! Sekhmets Daughter Mar 2013 #16
That is the only thing that is acceptable. In_The_Wind Mar 2013 #17
A few thoughts. Behind the Aegis Mar 2013 #2
I think it is part of the nature of the beast that directly leads to the self doubt and confusion. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #6
You don't need to apologize for Ilsa Mar 2013 #3
Thank you Ilsa. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #7
Your story is Ilsa Mar 2013 #18
I wish the same for you FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #23
I too had a difficult time identifying my childhood experiences Voice for Peace Mar 2013 #9
This brought tears to my eyes. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #11
I understand your reluctance to label what happened... Kalidurga Mar 2013 #14
I'm really sorry that you and your siblings weren't protected. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #20
I am so sorry. Ms. Toad Mar 2013 #15
I am beginning to see the real value of sharing. FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #21
Hi Fedupwithitall! Sissyk Mar 2013 #19
Thank you Sissyk FedUpWithIt All Mar 2013 #22
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Sexual Assault Survivors Support»My own version. (a warni...»Reply #9