AboutKim Expertise I am a survivor. I know what it’s like to be the victim. I am now a Sexual Assault Victim’s Care Advocate. I have been certified as such since November 2000. I am currently a student who is specializing in trauma and abuse and the associated disorders and illnesses.
Experience I am a survivor. So, I not only have book smarts but, personal experience with what rape is and how much it affects the victim and his or her loved ones.
Education/Credentials I am working on my Master's in Psychology specializing in trauma and abuse. I am in addition working on two associate degrees in Social Work and Women and Gender studies.
Question Hi, I am a 19 year old female and I believe that I was sexually abused when I was younger. I have always known in the back of my head that something wasn't "right" when my uncle touched me a few times inappropriately, but one night about a month ago, I completely remembered every detail, I relived it and it was like it had just happened. I felt dirty, shameful, to the point where I sat in my shower for an hour I felt so disgusting. I feel like, looking back, I was old enough to have known better and told him to stop. Every single night since this "remembering", I have had nightmares, and get little to no sleep. I Am exhausted not only emotionally but now physically as well. I feel like this shame and hurt is controlling everything I do now. Is there a reason I never felt this way before? And, how do I deal with it all these years later?
Thanks,
Lauren
Answer Lauren,
The mind is extremely powerful and protective when it needs to be. As a child you may or may not have known how to deal with your uncle and what he was doing to you or for sure that it was wrong. So you suppressed all memory of what happened because you couldn’t deal with those memories and what was happening then. You may also be experiencing body memories, flashbacks and night terrors http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/ss/defensemech_3.htm http://www.nightterrors.org/ http://www.rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault
Now that these memories are coming back to you, it’s time to consider counseling to help you work through the trauma that you went through.
I don’t know your location, so I would say work with the RAINN website. Or you can call them too and they’ll help you find help in your area. The number is 1-800-656-HOPE and the website is www.rainn.org
Go to “get help” then go to “find a local counseling center” these are the tabs at the top. Then enter your state or zip code.
