Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can result in immediate and long-lasting aftereffects. It does not have to be hopeless, though. With a lot of hard work, survivors of CSA can overcome and/or learn to manage the effects. I was sexually, physically, and emotionally abused by my maternal grandfather for almost fourteen years. Today, after years of therapy and with the help of a wonderfully supportive husband and sisters who are willing to be there however I need them to be, I have found a really good place. It won't be easy, but you can overcome, too. My book tells my story of how I navigated the aftereffects and found my good place. You can read my entire book online for free here. You can read more about me here.
The immediate effects can include feelings of
- fear,
- helplessness and/or powerlessness,
- guilt and/or shame,
- responsibility,
- isolation,
- betrayal,
- anger,
- sadness and
- flashbacks.
Long-term effects can include
- depression,
- anxiety,
- trouble sleeping,
- low self-esteem,
- negative body image,
- dissociation from feelings,
- social isolation,
- relationship problems such as an inability to trust, poor social skills, or a reluctance to disclose personal details,
- sexual difficulties including a fear of sex or intimacy, indiscriminate multiple sex partners or difficulty in reaching orgasm,
- parenting problems such as fear of being a bad parent or fear of abusing the child or being overly protective,
- an underlying sense of guilt, anger, and/or loss, and
- "flashbacks" and/or panic attacks.
Please reach out and find help. It is not easy, but therapy -- with the right trained therapist -- can help. Please see my thoughts on talk therapy.