Struggling today - PTSD/childhood sexual abuse

[AnxietyBelle]

Hi,

so I have PTSD from childhood sexual abuse which I only recently told my family about. Struggling today.

I always suspected my mum knew about the abuse and ignored it. I have no doubt now she did. She said she believed me/supported me and we have found out she’s actually been convincing people behind my back this didn’t happen and helping my abuser get away with this.

Not sure why Im upset my family have always been horrible, never protected me not sure why I expected them to now.

but the worst thing is knowing people are saying the trauma you went through isn’t real or you made it up is so invalidating, its such an awful feeling. Im not surprised people don’t come forward with abuse sometimes.

[Sophie_M]

Hi AnxietyBelle,

Thank you for posting and joining the Beyond Blue Community. We want to welcome you here and thank you for taking the step to reach out for support. We are sorry to hear that you have suffered and your family is not supportive.
 
What other supports do you have besides them? Is there anyone that you trust that you would be able to open up to and maybe tell them how hard things have gotten for you?
 
If you would like to talk to someone we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals.
 
We would also recommend getting into contact with the Blue Knot Foundation who specialise in complex and childhood trauma on 1300 657 380.

We also strongly urge that in overwhelming moments you get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

Please feel free to keep reaching out here on your thread whenever you feel up to it.
 
 

[AnxietyBelle]

Hi,

thank you for the support numbers appreciate it.

yes I do have people around me supporting me but as you can imagine this is a huge thing for people around me to suddenly hear about, come to terms with, its very stressful for everyone and I don’t want to always talk to the people around me about it too much because I don’t want to stress them.

also sometimes its just hard to talk to people who haven’t been through the same or similar situation because they may not understand.

i do have a psychologist also but not seeing them for another week and was just having a hard day today with feeling really invalidated

[Summer Rose]

Hi AnxietyBelle

I’m so very sorry that you were abused as a child, that your mum didn’t protect you at the time and that your mum is not now giving you the support that you need.

There’s no conceivable excuse for the behaviour of your mum or your abuser. None of this is your fault, sweet girl.

It is a testament to your character and inner strength that you have not only survived but found the courage to share your story. You are amazing.

I believe you. And I offer you a listening ear and unconditional non-judgemental support. You deserve this—and so much more: Healing. Justice. Peace.

You are at the start of a long journey. Please feel free to post here anytime and this community will do its best to support you throughout it all.

Kind thoughts to you

[AnxietyBelle]

Thank you so much Summer Rose 🌹