Childhood Sexual Abuse / Question
Published: May 21, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
When I was about 4 or 5 years old my mother's boyfriend would come into my room at night and do really bad things to me. Now that me and my mom are far away from our past and are happy I sometimes get this feeling, and I don't quite know how to describe it, but it's like I have to stop whatever it is that I'm doing and just get away. I think to myself "I shouldn't be here" and no matter where I am or what I'm doing I have to leave. I used to get that feeling when he would do bad things to me. Now I'm 17 and I still get these feelings. What's wrong with me? Why do the feelings keep coming back? Please help me.
Signed: Can't Shake This Feeling
Dear Can't Shake This Feeling,
Chances are that while you have tried to forget about this horrible experience it continues to creep back into your life on a unconscious level. Being sexually assaulted it is a very painful experience and most women and men would prefer to forget all about it. Unfortunately the mind is not as cooperative as we would like it to be and traumatic events usually require some therapeutic intervention to aid the healing process.
There are therapists and support groups that deal specifically with issues of sexual abuse. These treatment settings allow the victim a safe, supportive environment to deal with the complex emotions that arise from being victimized. With the proper help and support you should be able to get past these uneasy feelings that have been haunting you.
If you would like to learn more about sexual abuse or would like to find a counseling center in your area, contact Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), www.rainn.org 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), 24 hours, 7days a week
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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