Hey Josh,

seems relevant to me, lots of us are medicated and have been 'diagnosed' something or other. I can't help but think It's all brought to life by the abuse, no matter the inherant qualities.

c

ummmmm my split personality wrote what i wrote and posted it again, woops *looks for mods*

hey Josh,

you're not getting anyone down. It's immeasurable, the damage done.  I was actually relieved to get diagnosed at one point because I felt acknowledgement and that there was something that maybe could be done. Very emotional response. Of course nothing is that simple. Lots to do. lots to do.

c

Hi Joshua

Thanks for the group hug - hope I am included in it!

Yes, the mental health issues are huge and complex. I for one have worked my way through getting over depression, suicidal impluses, self harm, and eating disorders to say the least - all of which I put down to the abuse i suffered as a child . I get so angry when I am told it is a chemical imbalance in my brain. Yes, medication helps, but so often other support and help is lacking on the NHS. Also i think a lot of NHS treatments avoid looking at the very real issues that surround child abuse.

Perhaps a forum on the subject would be useful for many of us. What did you have in mind?

Happy Sunday evening to you

Spanglemaker

Hi Joshua         (((((((((((((Joshua)))))))))))

I'm glad to 'meet' another soul for whom hugs mean alot.  I don't get hugs much.  Lots here though I'm glad to say.

I wouldn't have thought there are many people out there  who've been abused in what ever way and have walked away unscathed and without having mental health problems as adults.  We have all been damaged.  That doesn't mean to say that healing can't be ours to know -  though what is healing at the end of the day?  How is that defined?  

I think it similar to happiness in that it is a journey and not a destination.  I don't think we will wake up one day and say 'Yippee I'm healed'  We will always carry our pasts with us and like grief there will always be times when it surfaces.  I'm not explaining this very well - sorry.  

On my own journey I've struggled with depression for most of my life.  I'm not currently taking medication (in the hope that by not doing so I could feel again and be able to cry).  I do now feel yet still remain unable to let go and release it all through tears.  Maybe one day.... I've also struggled with nil sense of self worth and self esteem.

My past has shaped my present and will continue to shape my future.  How can it not?   

 I wish you well on your own journey  and have another hug (((((((((Joshua))))))))

liz x 

Hi HAVOCA

Thanks for this section. Could we have a poll on mental health isuues re child abuse? One of those things that looks like a rainbow cake cut up unfairly? Self harm. Depression. Eating disorders. Hypervigilance. Medication. Suicidal thoughts. PTSD. Discociation. (Sorry my spilling lets me down sometimes) Have I covered the recipie? I usually forget the sugar.

ouch