Sexual abuse.
I was in denial for a long time but I realized that my exboyfriend sexually abused me. We didn't date long, only 4 or 5 months, but the abuse happened the entire time. I don't even think I have 'trauma' but I don't know where else to put this so... here I am.
We never had sex, which is why he broke up with me, but... we did a lot of other stuff. Sometimes I can still feel him. I feel his touch all over my body and my skin is crawling and I feel sick to my stomach. When a guy touches me skin to skin, even if he just brushes against me accidentally, I jerk away and begin experiencing some anxiety. This has been going on for almost a year now. I can't stop seeing his face and feeling his hands everywhere.
Idk what to do
@starcatcher7 hey there! I am so sorry to hear that you had to experience that
I want you to know that no matter how long you were abused, and how often, abuse is abuse and your feelings are 100% valid.
I can only imagine how difficult it must be to still feel him and his touch and to be reminded of him often.
" Flinching is a reaction wherein the person was reminded of something from the past, returning the memory, or reminded by it. The cause to remember could be related to that bad experience the person had gone into " - so basically, flinching is a common symptom of abuse. The human brain doesnt want you to get hurt again, so you flinch to be safe. so once again, your feelings are valid
So, i wrote some of my favorite resources here together and i thought it d nice to share them with you. No matter if you d consider your experience as traumatic, i think it could still may help to take a look at these, but its totally up to you!
since you told us that everytime someone touches you, you feel anxious, here are some grounding techniques to help you calm down in such a moment: https://www.7cups.com/forum/TraumaticExperiencesCommunity_60/TraumaRecoveryResources_481/GROUNDINGTECHNIQUESforCopingwithFlashbacksDistress_85385/
also, if you feel like getting professional help, that this thread could be useful for you :
Also, i came across this Self-Help Workbook and i found it super cool and helpful! : https://depts.washington.edu/hcsats/PDF/TF-%20CBT/pages/7%20Trauma%20Focused%20CBT/Dealing%20with%20Trauma%20-%20A%20TF-CBT%20Workbook%20for%20Teens.pdf
So, no matter if you d consider it as trauma, you didnt deserve it, you experienced something no one should ever have to experience, and its always the right step to get help.
We are so proud of you for taking the first step and coming here today! You are very strong and you have our full support!
I wish you a lovely day and hope to see you around!