Sexual Abuse Counseling Week 2: Find Your Support Group

 

     Sexual abuse is the most traumatizing experience one can go through, especially at a young age. No other crime leaves such a range of emotions: guilt, sadness, shame, anger, and everything in between, and no other crime essentially makes the victim torture themselves on a continuous basis. 

     However, if one can follow the necessary steps, progress can be made on their mental state. The second step in this process is to find a support group. So often people feel shame for the simple reason that they are alone and unsure. If you are close to someone, you should feel confident enough to tell them that you need support, and they will see you as the same person, if not a more vulnerable version in need of comfort.

     Therapy really is not necessary in the traditional sense... if you have someone to talk to when you feel a certain way who knows you personally, they can actually be more effective than a paid shrink at resolving emotional turmoil and providing comfort.

     Even the simple presence of a loved one can remind you that your past does not define you and that you have so much to feel good about. You do not have to tell everyone or even anyone you are not comfortable sharing with, but having a support group is a necessary step in ensuring that the remaining steps are completed successfully.