Childhood Sexual Abuse / Question
Published: October 18, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 16 and not currently sexually active. I found out a year ago that my best friend was molested by our babysitter when we were little. When I found out, I started having dreams that come as flashes. Something about her parents bedroom and a pink dress and every time I think about it I get sick to my stomach and start crying?I've always been very "separate" from other people and I don't like to be touched at all, let alone sexually. I think that I may have been molested and I DON'T want to tell my parents because I'm so opposed to affection and I know they're going to be crying and all over me and stuff. do you think it's imperative that I tell them? Or no? Also-when I was little, I started tugging neurotically on my right labia. I kinda stretched it out and I was wondering if this form of behavior could be because of molestation or if its just a bad habit I had when I was little (I have several other neurotic habits)...(sorry so long).
Signed: Was I Molested?
Dear Was I Molested?,
TeenHealthFX cannot say if you were abused or not but you are asking a very important question. Your concern about having been molested is valid. It is important that you talk with a counselor about what you have been experiencing. What you are experiencing can be the result of many different experiences and factors, including, but not only, from sexual abuse. By working with an experienced therapist, you can discover the underlying reasons for what you are experiencing. Counseling can also help you deal with the other things you are concerned about, like being "separate" from other people and being opposed to affection. It may also help you to understand your "neurotic" habits.
Is it imperative that you tell your parents that you need to see a therapist? TeenHealthFX thinks that it is important that they get you into counseling and your counselor can help you confide in your parents in a way that is most comfortable for you when the time is right. You can tell your parents that you want to see a therapist; but you still don't have to tell them why if you are not ready.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Less than 33% of teens with depression get help, yet 80% of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist.
