There is no way to know how common child abuse is, as so much abuse goes unreported. Culturally, it’s common to think of abuse as only the worst of cases, our triage system doesn’t have the resources to help every case. There’s a tendency to think our own experiences weren’t so bad, that we have gotten through it and it’s over, and we don’t have to think about it anymore. Â
Childhood abuse can have effects that linger. It can affect how we see ourselves, our relationships, our work, our sleeping and eating habits. Many people who experienced childhood abuse did not have access to the support, help, and care that they needed at the time. With the lack of support, the effects of abuse linger into adulthood, sometimes unnoticed. It can feel like a weight or a ghost following you around, but it’s hard to talk about or understand. Â
We tell ourselves it wasn’t that bad, or that we’ve gotten through it, or that it’s over so it doesn’t matter. It’s good that it is over, but it does still matter. It happened, and you got through it, and it’s ok if it left a mark and you carry it with you. There are things you can do now to help yourself process and grow. There are tools and skills you can use to help so your past doesn’t have as much impact on your life. Â
