| The discussion forum is to express opinion and is solely a communication-tool. Moderator: Sieglinde Alexander Register | Login If you are already registered go to login. Our Topics are: · Why can't I forget about it? is one of the reoccurring questions asked by adults abused in childhood. Carrying the secret of being abused in childhood, living with the haunting memories, sooner or later leads to the devastating long-term consequences of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, and/or depression. Another childhood victim can function as the supporting witness. Deprived in childhood of care, empathy, respect and understanding, denied these early and essential needs, we can find support in those who have gone through similar experiences. · I never told anybody: You are not alone when you say: “I am too ashamed, too afraid to tell anybody what has happened to me.” Unfortunately, the majority of cases of childhood abuse were never discovered during the crimes and remained as a well-hidden family secret. · Trigger Moments: A word, a smell, a picture, a location, everything we see, hear or feel, can trigger a memory about our abused childhood. How influenced are we by these memories? How do we feel and react when past experience comes alive in the present? · What is abuse? Dictionaries leave the word abuse open to individual interpretation. If we ask ten people to define abuse, we will have a multiplicity of answers. What is your definition? · What is denial? Some parents neglect their children, verbally and physically harm them, but say: I never abused my child. A child molester is convinced he has not done any harm. · Flashbacks What is a flash-back? Why do we have flash-backs? Why do they occur? · What are the long-term consequences of childhood abuse? Each childhood abuse is an individual experience, but there are many similarities. What are they? How do we deal with them? · What should we do with abusers? The most of us who are writing here are affected by the "Statue of Limitations". Nevertheless, we can talk about what we feel should be done about abusers. Due to the need for anonymity, we cannot verify that anyone who claims to be a qualified psychologist or doctor is, in fact, qualified. Suggestions made within the forums should not be regarded as solutions or a substitute for professional advice or therapy. Your written material is protected by copyright law. In forums, we protect your contribution through a password sign-in. However, we cannot protect you from dishonest people using the world wide web and must express caution in your interactions. |