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Childhood trauma, church and SA

Buzzbee
Community Member

Hi there, I am suffering from childhood trauma and family SA. My coping mechanisms are freeze and flight impacting my life. Messed up with a helplessness and low self esteem indoctrinated by church ‚not good enough’ and paranoia ‚god sees and knows everything‘, I developed trust issues as parents and church and teachers seemed omnipotent and all knowing. 
Can’t build deep friendships, can’t ask for help, can’t stay in jobs over long period of times, don’t have many friends and am distant in my family due to trust issues. Conflicts are not resolved as I shut down and freeze and flee to food, neighbours or hobbies. 
It‘s impacting marriage and family with kids and work environment. Plagued with guilt and shame, not being able to admit mistakes and apologise I am looking for a support group or one-on-one to unravel these issues and help me heal.

1 Reply 1

Sophie_M
Moderator
Moderator
Hi Buzzbee,  

We know how difficult it can be to come here and post, and we're grateful you did so as it can be a powerful step towards feeling better. We can hear it's been an incredibly difficult time for you and no doubt hard for you to tell your story, but please know that you're in a safe space for doing so here, with a lovely community of kind and understanding people.  

It sounds like it's having an impact on how you're feeling day to day, so please know that there’s always someone here for you to talk it through with. The Beyond Blue counsellors are available 24/7 online, or on 1300 224 636. If using the phone would be difficult for you, you can also reach them via webchat or email.

We’re sure we’ll hear from our lovely, supportive community soon. In the meantime, here’s a few things you might like to look at:  
  • Blue Knot’s advice on self-care for survivors of trauma and abuse, this is an great service specifically aimed at survivors of trauma.
  • 1800 RESPECT’s advice on healthy relationships as we can hear in your post that your marriage has been impacted by these events.  
  • Relationships Australia’s advice on communication in relationships, it can be difficult to speak about but often by communicating with your partner you will feel less alone and can work on issues as a team.  

We are here to support you and you are not alone. Thank you so much for sharing here. Please feel free to share a bit more and let us know what is going on for you, and what might help, if you feel comfortable.   

Kind regards,   

Sophie M