 |
We survivors carry a lot of baggage with us into adulthood, often unaware that these are the results of our childhood experiences.
Facing, understanding and healing from the abuse can have a drastic effect on many of these problems that we mistakenly assume
are natural personal traits.
On this page:
The scars we pretend we can't see
Not so comfortably numb
Our bodies remember
When pain implodes
Needing someone, anyone, or no-one
When love's just a four-letter word
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Not so comfortably numb ..
|
| |
Many survivors struggle with addiction. It is estimated that about three-fourths of all female alcoholics have a history of
childhood sexual abuse. But alcohol or other drugs are not the only addictions that can cause problems in a survivor's life.
We can be addicted to food, to sex, to abusive relationships, even to work.
Click here to learn more about addictions and compulsive behaviour
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When pain implodes ..
|
| |
As children, we pushed down our pain, terror, rage, grief, and betrayal. And we survived. But repressed emotions find expression
somehow, if not outward, then inward. The scientists now tell us that the emotional trauma of abuse on a child has actual
physical impact - bio-chemical and growth alterations within the brain. The degree of impact varies, but many of us survivors
struggle with anxiety, depression, mood or personality disorders, or other mental illnesses, as a result of our childhood
abuse.
Click here to read more about depression and other mental illnesses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When love's just a four-letter word ..
|
| |
Some survivors develop a devil-may-care attitude and indulge in a lot of risky sexual behaviour. Others may go to the other
extreme: they fear or avoid any sexual contact. We may find it physically painful or repugnant, or emotionally distressing,
triggering traumatic memories or flashbacks. Or we may just "switch off" mentally to remove ourselves from the situation.
Some survivors may also go through a period of confusion about their sexual orientation as a result of the abuse (although
abuse cannot "cause" a person to be heterosexual or homosexual).
Click here to read more about sexual issues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our bodies remember ..
|
| |
Even if we refuse to recognise our issues, our bodies don't keep quiet. From psychosomatic conditions such as unexplained
back pain or frequent headaches, to defence and coping mechanisms such as eating disorders and self-injury - our bodies shout
out the message of issues that need to be resolved.
Click here for more info on body issues that result from childhood abuse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Needing someone, anyone or no-one ..
|
| |
Growing up, my motto was, "Trust no-one". Sadly, childhood teaches many of us to repeat this mantra. So we grow
up trying to keep ourselves as safe as we can, in control, and not letting anyone near us. Or else we go the other extreme
and let all and sundry take whatever they need from us. Some child victims of abuse go on to become adult victims of domestic
violence. Survivors rarely get to have truly healthy relationships, and often have issues not just with partners, but with
parents, children, employers or friends.
Click here to read more about relationships and issues with trust and control
|
|
|
|
|
Click the links below for further reading:
The Ace Study on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Long-term Effects
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Adult Women Survivors
Common Characteristics of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families
How Adult Survivors React to Childhood Abuse
The Incest Survivor's Aftereffects Checklist
Overcoming the Effects of CSA
Reasons for Different Effects on Individual Victims
Today's Victim Could Be Tomorrow's Predator
What Are Body Memories?
What Are Some Effects of Incest?
When A Child Is Abused
Why Can't I Get On With My Life?
|
|
|
|
