Sexual abuse can impact many areas of your life…
- “I sometimes feel that I’m not present, that I am observing from outside myself.”
- “I used to enjoy having sex with my husband. Now, I can’t go near him even when he’s just being affectionate.”
- “I recognize that I am seeking love ‘in all the wrong places’ but I can’t seem to help myself.”
- “First I started drinking. Then I stopped. Then I started bingeing. Then I stopped. Then I developed depression. As I was recovering from depression, I started having anxiety attacks.”
The inner world of a sexual abuse survivor can feel out of control and very frightening. The supportive guidance of a trained therapist can assist in creating a sense of containment. Establishing a safe place might be the first goal of treatment and in doing so, the process of reclaiming one’s life has begun.
To learn more about “being present” you might enjoy Learn to be present in therapy.
Here is more information about Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety and Recognizing the Signs of Depression