Dealing with trauma

[NadineT]

Hi.
I'm in need of huge help...
I had a bad relationship a few years back and I just can't get past it.
I have tried to ask for help but I keep getting palmed off.
I feel like this has broken me again and I don't know what's to do.

[uncut_gems]

Hi NadineT,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling to get over this relationship, and that you have been frustrated in not finding enough help. Do you mind my asking if you are referring to professional help from a mental health practitioner, or from family and friends? Either way, you will never be palmed off here as we are here only to listen and help.

Would you care to share some more of what's on your mind and maybe a bit more about the relationship if you feel comfortable? I see that you've posted on the forums a few times before so hopefully you already know that this is a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space.

Warmly,

Gems

[NadineT]

Hi Gems,
I have tried to ask for help from family and online and just keep getting forwarded onto someone else, then someone else. I talked to my mum about it to begin with and she went straight to the cops which was one thing I asked her not to do.
I was in a manipulative relationship and he sexually assaulted me countless times. The police got involved and they pretty well much said it's my fault for going back to him every night. I just kept trying to convince myself that maybe this time he won't do anything. Being held down against your will... words just can't describe.
I keep feeling like it will happen again with any relationship and I'm petrified of getting close to anyone.
I'm just stuck in this low 'mood' and I can't crawl myself out of it.

[Sophie_M]

Hi NadineT,
We are sorry to hear about your experience in a difficult relationship and the struggles with getting support. We think you are such a strong person - we understand that this experience would have been very traumatic.  We can hear how much of an impact this has had on your life. We would urge you to contact 1800RESPECT. They offer confidential information, counselling and support 24/7 for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. The lovely supportive counsellors have a lot of experience offering advice and support to people who have been through trauma like this. You can contact them on 1800 737 732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/
We would recommend that you do seek professional support to talk through this experience. If you are not sure of how to access mental health support, you are also welcome to contact the Beyond Blue Support Service anytime on 1300 22 4636 or get in touch with us on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

We hope that you can find some comfort in the forums. Feel free to keep us updated here on your thread throughout your journey.

[NadineT]

Hi Sophie_M
With all due respect, I have reached out to Respect and they sent me to another website, who then forward me onto another website. I have kind of had enough trying to reach out and seek help. I don't know what I was expecting to get here either. I'm sorry for wasting all of your time, but I'm d

[ecomama]

Dear NadineT

It's TOTALLY frustrating to need help desperately and not seem to get anywhere asking for it. I'm so sorry that's been your experience, I hope it changes tonight!

You haven't wasted anyone's time at all. It's clear you need help and help you will get asap.

Getting help AND getting better is a journey but you can do it.
You left the abusive relationship so WELL DONE, what a major step you took.

You can phone Uniting and see a Counsellor who specialises in DV. You can phone them up yourself and they charge on a sliding scale upon your wages or sometimes can get a grant for free sessions. They do this. You don't have to.

All you have to do is phone up and the Head Psychologist will phone you back for an "intake call" where you tell them as much of your story as you can and they select a Counsellor for you. Then you book in.

It's easy.

If you attend for a while and feel you need more intensive therapy then pop back and the next step can be explained.

You are doing so well. Your mum loves you and was only trying to save her little girl. You are WORTH helping and I'm so glad you came to BB.

Please pop back and let us know how you're doing.

Love EM

[Sophie_M]

Dear NadineT,

You have come such a long way and it takes a lot of courage to leave an abusive relationship. It is never your fault in going back. We are really sorry to hear about your experience with support services. We're here to provide as much support, advice and conversation as you need.
 
In the meantime, our support service is trying to contact you via email as we are concerned about you.

Please keep checking in and letting us know how you're getting on whenever you feel up to it.

[Guest_1643]

Hey Nadine

I don't know what to say to make it better - it's so painful and it can be really scary to feel like any relationship could be the same - people are hard to judge.
Just one thing I've learnt from my experince of being abused and then going back is that it took me years to even begin to understand that it wasn't my fault.
Then it worked together, placing the blame mentally on the person for their actions and choices, and learning to love and cherish myself, and not hate myself for antyhing I chose. I still struggle with this every day.

I am sorry you are going through this and that sounds frustrating that the help line didn't do much other than offer referalls.

Did you know that if you call 1800 Respect you can ask the person who answers to put you through to a Specialistic Counsellor? you proabbly have tried this bt just in case you didn't, they may be a little more empathetic and experienced. Just ask the person who answers to transfer you. I am sorry it's so hard for you now, you've gone through so much.

[InhaleExhale]

Hi NadineT,

Just thought I’d chime in and try to offer some support. I’m sorry you keep getting palmed off when it is so difficult to ask for help in the first place and that the police made you feel like it’s your fault. It’s not your fault.

If you would like to tell us a bit more about yourself, please do. We’d love to hear from you.

InhaleExhale.

[NadineT]

Hi Em,
Thank you for your response, appreciate it. I will try your options.