Molested - My story....
I was 7 years old when I was molested. Seven. I was molested by my stepbrother who was 16 at the time. I remember my mom and step dad had left the house to go get pizza. My sister was upstairs and my brother was downstairs. My stepbrother and I were watching Spongebob and he asked me if I wanted to sit on his lap. I said sure, because what 7 year old doesn't want to sit on their big brothers lap? Then he stuck his hand down my pants and into my underwear. I froze. I sat there, scared and shocked. I remember after he did it hiding in my room under my desk. My mom and step dad came home and everyone was yelling because they couldn't find me. I wouldn't tell anyone for months. Fast forward 11 years to this summer. I see him at a funeral that I am attending as well. I have a panic attack. I start crying and shaking. I can't breathe but I stay seated. I keep my head down and don't let anyone touch me or try to console me. My family thought I was shaking a bunch because of the funeral. They didn't know that I was shaking and couldn't breathe because my attacker was 3 seats down from me. I don't like hugs. I don't like people touching me, not even my family members. I've never dated anyone because I refuse to trust them, because look where that got me last time. I have forgiven my attacker, with the help of God, but how to I start healing and letting people in again? It's like I stray away from happiness because I don't know how to feel emotions sometimes, like I am numb...
@alexis9
I'm so sorry this has happened to you. The initial experience you describe is awful in itself, but it's the damage it causes long term that's so devastating. But I do believe there is hope of recovery, and talking about it does help enormously. It's processing those memories, and the way it's left you feeling. You say you can't get close to people or trust people, and this isn't an uncommon legacy of abuse. But you don't deserve to be the one left with these feelings. Your abuser is the one who did wrong.....not you.
I read a quote that some of the feelings carried through life from being abused are like a life sentence for the victim, for a crime they didn't commit. Imagine.....a life sentence for a crime you didn't commit. You'd fight it wouldn't you....if you were locked away......you wouldn't just accept that.
And yet abuse is often locked away, and with it feelings of shame, fear, worthlessness. But you don't deserve any of those feelings. You did nothing wrong. Please seek the help and support you need to leave that legacy behind.
@BestIcanbe
Thank you so much. I know it has been many months since you posted that comment. Thank you. I am recovering and your words have helped me greatly. I am sorry I didn't respond sooner, I just didn't think anyone cared enough to respond and so I uninstalled the app minutes after I posted. I downloaded the app again because I realized I can't recover without help.
Thank you so much.
@alexis9
Hello again
The important things to remember:
1. People DO care
2. You CAN recover
Great to have you back :)