I have recently been reunited with a man after 35 years who is a victim of incest, abuse inflicting by his father. Returning to his hometown has caused a tremendous amount of turmoil. I do understand the symptoms but I don't know how to be supportive, cope with and remain healthy. I haven't found any programs to support me while supporting the man I love. Any suggestions?

First, welcome to MS.
Second, on behalf of us survivors, THANK YOU for caring and loving your man so much that you're helping him in these hard times (besides the fact that you are remaining with him, which is more than I can say about other "significant others).
As far as helping yourself remain sane, there's a few ways of going about it but my main suggestion would be to get yourself a counselor(/therapist, whatever you want to call them). Other than that, keep yourself as grounded as possible. What I mean is, rely on whatever (healthy) coping mechanisms you employ (w/ the exception of any that would hurt or cause added stress to your man). Also, since he is in this turmoil, you may need to develop a thicker skin. He might just be overly-stressed/-angered and might (accidently?) say something out of that stress or anger.

Thank you for your kind words. I am going to a therapist with him to work though our stuff. I was also part of a 12 step recovery program at my church a few years ago. Working with this program gave me a great deal of insight into sex addictions.My counselor just told me something simular don't take it all too personaly. Again thanks.

I am also a companion of an incest survivor. Everyday is a learning experience and remember he is not always going to be like he is now. Therapy is a good idea, stay, but I would encourage you also that therapy is not the only way to deal with this issue. It is still very new to a lot of professionals. I highly recomend that you learn as much as possible. it is still very stigmatized Read the book by Haddock DID Sourcebook. He may not have this disorder but it gives you a way to cope and where to find chat rooms for additional support. I hope this is of help also. but I am still learnin g too and coping

I think it's great that you are accompanying your partner to his therapy sessions. I know that for me, the more that I learn, the more I start realizing I'm taking on patterns that he has developed. For example, I am now forced to withhold secrets from my family and friends because his CSA experience is not for me to discuss with other people. In an effort to not betray his trust, I am perpetuating the silence that surrounds CSA. So my question for you, though, is what are you doing for you? Is your partner open about the CSA? Do you have someone aside from him that you can talk to about how it impacts you? There may be things that you are thinking or feeling that you might hold back during a session with your joint counselor because you don't want to make him feel like he's hurting you. As you learn more, you will see that abandonment issues are a common problem and a lot of men fear we will leave them so it may be hard for him to hear how his CSA is impacting you. But I think it's important that you acknowledge your feelings -- you are now part of this process and it will not leave you unchanged. Having someone aside from him to talk to open and honestly is important because he's going through a lot himself as he starts therapy and while you should share your feelings with him, you also be cognizant of not overwhelming him by making him take on your burdens.

MS is a great outlet for learning and sharing with others because we understand the difficulties and emotions you're going through. The moderators supposed to be trying to re-start a weekly chat session (or something like that) for supporters some time this month -- that might be something else to consider.

SunnyGirl

Hi, ladies.

I am also an incest survivor.

I just want you to know that i offer you all, my compassion, understanding & love.

You all have a difficult task. And i wish you well for your sticking by your partner.

" I will take that lost boys hand, and i will lead him from the depths of darkness, into the sunshine, forever into eternity." As HE is ME.

Pete..Irishmoose.

Hi there !
glad you found MS. Although I'm sorry you and your man need it... Therapy and counseling are great for the both of you, you seem like a well balanced person.
I have been in love myself with a wonderful man for over a year now and through the ups and downs, it has been overall the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I hope things work out for you guys !

Sincerely,
Pattycakes

Sunny Girl-- I never find it difficult to discuss my feelings with my companion or others. He is very open with me

Try not to hold any secrets it will not betray trust especially from your family. Try to be open and honest with each other

Peter when you say difficult although you are right i do not find it difficult because I have also been abused and his encouragement has helped me over the years but I do have a burning question to ask you personally. maybe two

1. Why is sex so challenging for these men, can they be intimate in the bedroom at all. My friend feels much better not having to bother with it at all. He was hurt and let down by his mother, but it was amazing that he has trusted me as much as hew has, but he fears being let down again. He also has had a sister who is currently controlling him