Stages Of Healing Sexual Abuse - Let Go Of The Past
“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Monk
Moving forward in healing as an
Adult Survivor of Sexual Abuse is very difficult for many survivors.
Holding on tight to the “Secrets” of our abuse means not losing
ourselves. Without realizing what we are doing, we wear the “mask of a
victim” even as we claim to be a Survivor. Releasing the hold that our
past has over us is very difficult and time consuming. But the benefits
of releasing our past are worth it!
There are stages we go through in the process
of our healing.
Denial
Survivors develop behaviors while masking emotions
about our abuse.
Confused Awareness
Survivors start to realize the connection between their
past trauma and present matters.
Reaching Out
Survivors seek counseling or support groups.
For some this is the beginning of speaking about their
abuse.
Anger
Survivors may feel intense anger toward those people
who excuse or protect the abuser, individuals that do
not believe them, and anyone that didn’t help stop
the abuse.
Depression
Survivors suffer from depression as they go through
the process of healing. The process is long. The work
to be done is difficult. Survivors feel overwhelmed
with despair.
Clarity of Feelings and Emotions
Survivors learn how to express and share their
feelings without hurting themselves or others.
Regrouping
Survivors learn from their past, consider their present,
and dream of creating their future. No longer merely
existing; but actively living.
Moving On
Survivors shift from the negative past to a positive
future by loving and accepting ourselves. We recognize
that it is time to release all the painful feelings of the
past.
We cannot be a Survivor if we hold onto the past. Yes, we’ve made it
this far. Yes, we have lived through our childhood abuse. We are adults now, no
longer being abused. We made it. We survived!
But have we really?
Where are you in the process of healing from your sexual abuse?
What is holding you back from reaching the next stage?
The strength of a Survivor has always been with the survivor. Our
strength lies within us. Embrace your strength. Take the next step in your
journey as a Survivor.
The storm has passed. See the rainbow?
It’s beautiful. Life is beautiful.
And you are beautiful too.
© IAMicried
Visions of Rainbows
5/31/2013
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