Jasper,

I suffer from PTSD also, so I know a little about that stuff. I am working with my therapist to try go back to the event and realize that as I examine it that my abuser can't hurt me now. However it does take time, so hang in there. Try remember there are others and we understand and support you. If I was with you that I would give you a big hug.

hugs to you

Chuck

Jasper,

It is possible to recover from the effects of PTSD.

It is also possible to recover from the effects of sexual abuse.

My experience with both of these is that in the beginning there is a period when it seems to be getting worse rather than better.

Currently I am going through some additional psychotherapy to help me overcome an acute phobia.

This phobia prevents me from travelling and moving about as I would like to.

Phobias are often 'leftovers' from PTSD and since I started this new therapy I have had to go back, revisit and undergo a certain amount of trauma again. This is all in order to get the therapist and I together on the same page and to get the underlying problem behind the phobia out in the open.

Every Tuesday night, I see the therapist and every week I am depressed, sad and very triggered by what we are discussing. Even during the sessions, I display classic symptoms of PTSD.

Soon we will begin the formal part of the EMDR therapy to try and help relieve the burden the phobia is putting on me.

Fortunately for me, I have been in some sort of therapy for almost 6 years. And I have seen an incredible improvement in my life as a result.

So during this difficult time it is possible for me to reflect on my experience and remember that I am getting better, even though the current situation feels like shit.

It's like having faith, but a faith that comes from experience. Maybe you haven't had that kind of experience yet, but maybe you have and just don't realize it. Haven't you felt freer and more at ease in your own skin since you started confronting some of these long standing issues by coming here?

Hasn't finding a place like MaleSurvivor given you some hope that you are not alone in this?

In case these steps towards healing don't seem like enough, then let me give you a very safe cyber hug (((((((((((Jasper))))))))))) as you requested.

You will get better. You are taking the necessary steps to recover from all the trauma you have endured. The activities such as coming here have worked for many others and they will work for you.

Hang in there and just take it one day at a time; or even one hour at a time if you need to. It's so hard if we imagine that we might have these sad feelings for a lifetime, but in truth we only have anything for this moment. And for this moment we can make it through.

Glad you came and shared this today. I needed to remember my belief in the power of healing too.

Regards,

hey jasper,

im probably not very good with advice and i dont know much about anything but i do give good hugs and id give you a HUGE one if i could. hang in there.