How Survivors Suffer from Childhood Abuse

There is FEAR IN CHANGE for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Why We Cannot Heal Alone

The definition of change is “become different.” It sounds simple, but it is not easy. It calls for us to step into unchartered territory without knowing what will happen. We like predictability and knowing what to expect. Before stepping into the unknown, we first have to identify how we protect ourselves. Self-protection was a life saver when suffering from childhood sexual abuse, but to grow beyond survival, we have to identify how we guard ourselves. Laying down our “protective weapons” means we are unsafe. If we lived in the war zone of abuse, we do … Read more

Ten Ways Survivors May Overcome Suffering from Childhood Abuse

10 Ways Survivors May Overcome Suffering from Childhood Abuse

Suffering is a conditioned response to abuse. Those who have suffered abuse grow up believing there is no way out, they are trapped and unable to get the abuse to stop. However, adult survivors can learn to stop being self-abusive and can develop a different way to treat themselves. They can learn self-compassion, self-love, and how to learn to be patient with their recovery. It is important for survivors to remember not only that new behaviors take practice and happen slowly over time, but also to learn to pat themselves on the back for trying. … Read more

Ten Ways Survivors Suffer from Childhood Abuse

10 Ways Survivors Suffer from Childhood Abuse Lori Golden

When people grow up in childhood abuse, suffering is a way of life. It is a conditioned response to abuse; lies, threats and intimidation are part of the landscape as well as terror, shame, and helplessness. Survivors develop core beliefs such as we are worthless, unlovable and shameful. Survivors believe they are responsible for the adult’s abusive behavior resulting in self-hatred, self-blame, and a need to punish themselves. In order to change this suffering, survivors first have to recognize the ways they suffer. Only then can the work and healing process begin. Ten Ways Survivors … Read more