How do I heal from the abuse?
Each woman’s journey to wholeness and safety, after the devastating experience of abuse, is unique, yet there are some important similarities. The healing process tends to involve periods of intense grief and sadness as well as periods of rebuilding and hope.
Here’s what one woman had to say about the journey of hope and sadness.
For several days I had been feeling strong and happy. I had thought very little about my ex-partner. But then I took my daughter to the pool for a swim. I saw all of those moms and dads together with their kids, and sadness flooded over me. I saw in those families what I had always wanted for my daughter and me. It feels discouraging. How much longer am I going to feel all of this pain? When am I going to feel like I’m really getting on with my life? Lynn
Some Rebuilding Emotions:
- I feel hopeful
- I feel strong
- I feel safe
- I feel ‘normal’
- I trust myself
- I like myself
Some Grieving Emotions:
- I feel hopeless
- I am afraid
- I feel hurt
- I feel regret
- I grieve the family I have lost
- I worry about money
- I feel depressed
I have disability of post concussive due to a life of abuse and a serious mva. Today, I live with the cruel, more invisible type and is very difficult to leave because of disability and very difficult to stay for all the same reasons as ever before.
But I am working on my life being better than.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. You are so right that a disability makes everything that much more difficult for a woman. Thank you. Karen.
I understand Florence, I too have has a serious MVA too and actually had to blink my eyes and re read your post thinking how could is it possible that someone else has ‘my story’? I dug deep to find courage to go to a support group with Karen and half way through the class I took the steps to freedom. And there were so many in the community to support me I could hardly believe it!! My faith is so encouraged. God really does care and he is helping me each step of the way. I pray that ‘He’ will guide you and you will have the courage to walk in ‘Truth” and “Light”. Pausing to pray for you.
I just want to be able to read a book again. I am getting better but still most books( fiction) have the main character deceived about half way through. I still can’t get past those parts most of the time! And worrying about money!! On Friday it will be the third support check missed. So angry and frustrated!