I really could use a answer if anyone has one.
Lauryn
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone.Try it today!
Q: Would some one that was sexually abused be depressed??
Answers (2)
4/22/10 3:57pm
Lauryn, depression is a very common way of coping with sexual abuse, even if it happened years ago and you can barely remember it. There are so many facets to the way it harms us, including how the rest of your world reacted (or didn't) to it, the shame it usually causes, as well as fear and anger. We end up trying to stuff all that away but it's still there, not addressed and can turn into chronic depression.
I was sexually abused several times by different neighbors when I was a kid and I thought it didn't affect me any more until I was in therapy. My parents never did anything about it except to tell me to stay away from those people (my friends lived there) and not tell anyone why, so I felt it was my shame. I used to think it was the times, that people just didn't acknowledge that stuff in the 50's, but an aunt of mine told me the same thing happened to her back in the 20's and my grandmother got my grandfather to come home and get the police and confront the man. One of the times it happened, my parents laughed like it was a big joke - it was the owner of a store where we went on vacation; they even wanted me to go back there to get them something. I think now to myself, I can't imagine doing that to one of my kids.
Anyway, hope that helps some, to know that it's not unusual to become depressed. I hope you are getting some help - it's easier to deal with when you're younger and don't have a ton of other things you have to uncover along with it. You CAN feel better again. I think it kind of sucks that the perpetrators can get away with it and we are the ones who have to do all the work to heal from it, but I guess that's the way it is.
Take care!
4/23/10 4:28pm
Lauryn, it would be a lot easier on you if you could talk about this in therapy, somebody you trust, probably a woman. This is more common than you might think. I suspect my dad did the same to me, but I don't have conscious memory of it - all the symptoms, though. Some day you might feel like telling your mother. They're already divorced, so there's no harm to their relationship. If I had a daughter that this happened to, I would want to know so I could talk with her about it and see that she got help. Do you think she would be supportive of you? If you think there's any chance that she would be, maybe you could take the risk some time and tell her. You've probably got a lot of anger, grief and shame locked up there about this. I'm glad your boyfriend is someone you can trust; however, he can't be as objective as a therapist could, so hope you will consider therapy, if you haven't already.
Take care,
Judy
4/26/10 8:33pm
my insurance is tricare and they r suppose to call so I can get a Pyciatrist. I dont know what she would do. Ur right I do have shame anger and grief locked up. I know hes not a therapist hes trusted me and I know I can trust him. hes the only person other than on here I have told about what happened to me. I have always keep it under control about thinking about it but now I cant control when I think about it. I have considered every option but I think Im going to go through with it because I dont know how much longer I can go without talking to someone about it that can help me. I will keep posted on what is going on. Thank You
Lauryn
4/22/10 5:42pm
yes my son was in that position he didnt tell me till yesterday wat had happened he told me he was five when it happened hes 19 now he's dealing with alot of emotional problems i've had him in and out of hospitals he;s bipolar he's full of anger ,hate
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Lauryn— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 04/21/10
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The only person that knows what happened to me is my boyfriend. He knows what depression is like. Hes going through it too. I have told him everything and we r so open with each other. My mom doesnt even know what happened to me. because it was my dad that did it. I didnt want to ruin my mom and dads relationship so I never to any body till I told my boyfriend. I pushed to the back of my head till now. I want to cry when I think about what he did to me. To everybody I was close to my dad. I was acting like nothing happened. One day I was grading papers cause I was a student aid and I thought about what happened but pushed it right back to the back of my head. I hope i can feel better. I feel like i have this burden on my shoulders. Does it get any easier to deal with not telling any one about it? Even though my parents r divorced I still cant tell my mom. My boyfriend is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I thought i forgot how to laugh or really smile like i was actually happy and i am happy with him. Thank You so much for answering my questions. It really helps me.
Lauryn