The next step?

[TRW7]

After so many years, I am just realizing that I have been the victim of emotional abuse for years. I can't believe this is something that I didnt realize. I am trying to build myself up or back up again, and I have no clue as to how I should do this. The last time I remember being happy with no strings - I was 10 years old. Prayer being the first step to recovery. What is the second step?

 

[Ariel]

I think the second step depends on how ill you are, and whether or not you are still able to function normally.

If you are ill, for example, severely depressed, then go to your doctor and tell him or her what is going on, how you feel, etc. There are some wonderful meds now for depression which can make a world of difference. They are not addictive and will not make you feel like a zombie. Many of them work just by keeping the natural endorphins your body produces from washing out of your brain because of stress. In other words, the active agent is produced by your own body. Don't stop with the meds though, also try to find a professional counselor. A good one is worth their weight in gold, and can help you tremendously.

If you are not that ill, my recommendation is to get a notebook and begin journaling. But please--remember that I am not a professional counselor, this is just what worked for me. I wrote about things that had traumatized me as a child, as well as trauma I experienced as an adult. It helped so much to recognize the trauma in my past and label it.

Even if you are not that ill, I still recommend counseling. To some extent you can help yourself by journaling, but to really get effective tools to help, I think a counselor is invaluable.

 

[TRW7]

Thank You

 

[heidi140]

I've been through some similar stuff and counseling is really helping me. It can be tough to deal with it on your own, especially since the emotional stuff can be so confusing and mess with your mind. I found that reading about it helped, but only got me so far. Starting counseling is probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.

 

[heron]

Emotional abuse can start when you want to please someone, and yield to their wishes too often. It self-perpetuates, so what started out as righteous submission or respect can settle both people into a pattern, that deepens over time.

 

[Angeldove97]

I don't know what step this is, but please realize that YOU CAN HEAL. It takes a long time... mine is almost 6 years and counting, but healing does come in small, almost invisible baby steps.

 

[Carolyn H]

I suffered from low self esteem from being abused. I had to learn to like myself again. I had to stop seeing myself as worthless, and see that I was a unique person, with value and worth.
It helped me to think that I was precious enough for Jesus to die for me. I asked Him to show me what He loved about me!!!

Hope this helped a bit!