I've been thinking about discussing this topic at a general meeting for our local Men's Center: "Effects of Sexual Abuse"

What would you share as the top lasting effects of your abuse experience?

I'd say for me this includes:

1) addiction (alcohol/sex)
2) shut down emotions
3) lack of trust
4) body image issues/confused sexuality

I continue to heal and recover from these effects and more. I've found a lot of healing and support over the years, and feel like I have/we have only just begun making inroads into addressing this issue in the world.

Let me know your thoughts.

good start -
i say YES to all the above.
i would add -
damage to self-esteem - distinct from body image and sexual identity and orientation issues.
lee

Number one on my list is the confusion of sexual identity which in turn leads to a refusal to accept oneself and ultimately shame and isolation. It all starts with the lost sense of that most intimate of personal identities.

Self loathing.
"Anger at life"
"Anger at the universe"
"Angry for being born"
"Feeling like a victim for simply being born"

I've had all of these.

I don't know why all that is in quotes. Oh well.

.

I can repeat some of the answers, and add a few...

Anger/self loathing - yup, me too.
Period of sexual confusion - yup, me too. (fortunately not nearly as bad as what some of the other guys here are struggling with)
Addiction - yes.
Fear of intimacy
Inability to trust
Need to always be in control
Depression (multiple suicide attempts)
Guilt, shame, feeling like I don't deserve to be happy.
Self-injury

And of course, my official diagnosis - PTSD, BPD, Depersonalisation disorder, Major depression.

You guys have covered it all. Sign me up for the next train to the funny farm.

Hi There MB

Nice to see you back you've been away for a while.
I am glad that you are still in the process, and wish you God Speed in your healing.

I would like to add
"Rage"
"Homophobia"
"Suicidal"

Martin

Hi buck.

Interesting question, I'll add some of mine.
A sense of worthlessness and hyper self cryticism that affects anything I do.
Recurrent bouts of depression even when there is little or no reason.
A struggle with becoming addicted to isolation.
Discomfort with any sort of physical contact.
Genophobia so profound it makes any sort of relationship an impossibility..

Great thread MB

The inability to be me. Trust or accept who I was or even know who I was. The running away from my true self as I am in the present.

All the other stuff the you have all described followed as the result of the trying to bury any real feelings.

hugz grant