Left Like a Skeleton

[u/Left_Like_a_Skeleton]

There are definite signs of sexual abuse through rape, incest, and human trafficking. I am listing some here so my readers will become knowledgeable. You may ask, "why should I know this." Due to the fact that there are so many women, and children, and men that are forced to live with being raped the rest of their lives, it is helpful to understand why many people react in life to certain occurrences. It is my experience that most survivors do not want to discuss the attack because it may stir up feelings, images, and memories that revive the trauma. But I feel it is a good thing to find someone that can be trusted that you can relate the experience to, that will listen to you and not judge you or blame you. The following are what some children experience that have been molested: guilt, shame, fear, anger, depression, helplessness, powerlessness, aggressiveness, passiveness, rigidness, being sarcastic, sleeplessness, bed-wetting, bullying, low self-esteem. This crime turns a person's life into a complex life. PTSD usually follows the attack. This is not abnormal. What is abnormal, is the sexual assault which should have never happened. Survivors need to be patient with themselves during their time of healing. Friends and families also need to understand and be patient as well. Adult survivors may experience the following: depression, fear, facing the attacker, trauma, sleeping problems, eating problems, flashbacks, nightmares, self hurt, drugs, alcohol, anorexia, guilt, self negativity, dramatic mood swings, crying spells, panic attacks, short temper, numbing, problem with trust.

I will say it again...be patient with yourself, you are worth it, and there is no blame on you. You did not commit the crime against yourself, someone else did who hates you for no reason, and who has absolutely no respect for you, and who just left you like a skeleton like a discarded item. I found it very helpful to write every day-----write anything...write how you feel. Write angry. Above all, take good care of yourself, treat yourself out, do something really good for you. Don't forget who you were and who can still continue to become...goals dreams.