Posted by Kam on January 3, 2003, at 14:46:36
In reply to Re: support for abused women » Kam, posted by Miller on January 3, 2003, at 14:12:32
Oh I was anything but strong when I left him, my son at 14 and me never on my own. But the relief alone of knowing I would never be beaten or verbally beaten was my strength at first. After a 17 year horrible marriage it wasn't easy to build my life again. I had a few close friends (which during marriage I couldn't), but I kept in contact enough they were the biggest help. As far as self esteem it takes time, when I met my husband to be, he helped me tremendously, he in fact was the first person I told of the many things I had gone through. I hid it behind a fake smile for mpst of the 17 years. Once the panic attacks came back my doctor recommended me to see a therapist and I must say that gave me a huge boost on my self esteem. I asked her once I can't believe a once strong person like I used to be let someone take control of me, she said you didn't let him, he just took it slowly, so slow your eventually brain washed without knowing how or when it happened. Talking about it without being ashamed anymore has also been a big step for me, release is an awesome therapy in itself!!!
poster:Kam
thread:34440
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021226/msgs/34450.html