Posted by Beta on April 19, 2004, at 20:49:06
In reply to Re: Sex abuse - effect even if not realized?, posted by spoc on April 19, 2004, at 19:40:58
Although I am very new to the effects of trauma, and my recent diagnosis of PTSD, I am trying to gain as much insight as possible regarding how trauma affects our subconscious. (My counselling is to begin soon, I hope.) I wholeheartedly believe that there most likely are several long term effects of csa.
I survived for almost 3 decades; self medicating with illegal drugs, and alcohol, knowing that there was "something wrong", but unable to pinpoint it. I was great at avoiding the memories, I thought. But, my body and subconscious did not agree, especially after I decided to quit drinking alcohol. I ran until the physical symptoms could no long be overlooked by others. In my case it was rapid, extreme weight loss that caught the attention of others.
I recently read that the symptoms of csa may not show up until our third or fourth decade of life.
My suggestion to you would be to see a therapist. I did not "consciously feel traumatized", nor did I understand the coorelation between my csa history and the problems and issues I have experienced throughout my life.
(Any and all further insight on this from others would be extremely appreciated.)
Thanks for listening,
~Beth
poster:Beta
thread:336255
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040419/msgs/337915.html