A Tribute to the Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse

Jason Lee, Author5 Nov 20173 Feb 2019MENTAL HEALTHanger, anxiety, child abuse, depression, survivors

One third of Canadian adults have faced some form of childhood abuse growing up. The statistics are likely higher in the US and worldwide which absolutely blows my mind with disbelief. I facilitated a Meetup Group yesterday for fellow Adult Survivors and I had such a sense of relief and freedom by being able to share and listen to the other members. We talked about the suffering and pain we felt as children, and the suffering we continue to face as adults. All of us in the room can attest to feelings of: anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, distrust and low self-esteem during our adult lives. Some of the members in the group have difficulties finding work, getting out of bed, maintaining a healthy relationship, or struggle living with mental health challenges such as depression, schizophrenia, and thoughts of self-harm.

In my blog today, I’d like to pay tribute to all the Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse throughout the world. It’s worldwide problem, that doesn’t get much exposure because it’s often dismissed as something that has little to no affect on us. It’s a sad, tragic and unfortunate reality that we need to bring attention to. Why? Because, children who have been emotionally, physically and sexually abused grow up with challenges as adults. Many who have not faced childhood abuse before may not understand the pain that was endured. And some who have faced childhood abuse may be in denial of what transpired because of the pain, shame and fear that’s buried inside.

For those who don’t understand or in denial may often say or think:

“It can’t be that bad.”

“Get over it.”

“You’re lucky….there’s people I know who had it worse than you.”

Not only does that dismiss the events that happened to us, it belittles us as human beings who faced these inconceivable acts.

Survivors of childhood abuse need the validation from others of our pain. The validation can bring so much healing when others can hear, empathize and understand what we endured.

As a result, it can guide us to a life of recovery by releasing our shame and allowing us to be able to manage our emotions in healthier ways. As adults, we have a responsibility to ourselves to find ways to accept ourselves and to live with our past, without allowing it to trigger and disrupt our day-to-day activities.

As children, we were innocent to the abuse. As adults, we have a responsibility to manage through our challenges. And when the rest of the world can bring acknowledgment, instead of dismissal to our voices, we can slowly feel safe again, which will strengthen our healing and recovery process to help us feel whole again.

Sending love out,

Jason

DSC_2845b — *Jason Lee, Author of Living with the Dragon. Photo by Kristi MacFarlane Photography.*

Published by Jason Lee, Author

There’s something greater to be learned in our journey otherwise life would just be too predictable and I’m not quite willing to accept that! View more posts