Ten Ways Survivors Suffer from Childhood Abuse

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 Suffer from Childhood Abuse

1. Survivors suffer when they believe they do not have a choice.
2. Survivors suffer when they believe they are worthless.
3. Survivors suffer when they cannot trust what they think and feel.
4. Survivors suffer when they cannot ask for help.
5. Survivors suffer when they rely on their self-sufficiency.
6. Survivors suffer when they deny their authentic self.
7. Survivors suffer when they believe they have to punish themselves.
8. Survivors suffer when they talk themselves out of how they think and feel.
9. Survivors suffer when they cannot speak up.
10. Survivors suffer when they cannot set boundaries and use the words “No” and “Stop.”

When survivors grow up in the war zone of abuse, they have to learn how to live in peace time. The way out of suffering is seeking the truth about themselves. All of this suffering has a story behind it. Survivors need to learn their stories. They have to want to give up suffering and be willing to work on this.

DON’T WAIT, START NOW.