SpaceCadet

Hi @Ultraviola welcome to After Silence. I've found it to be a very helpful and supportive forum, with many kind members. I hope your experience here is as positive as mine has been. About your question re: disclosing to others, my experience hasn't been great. The typical response I get when I tell someone else about what happened to me (childhood sexual abuse, among other things) is not denial, anger or pity, but withdrawal. Of those I've told, the only ones who don't withdraw are either those who have, or know someone who has, suffered sexual abuse or mental health professionals.

You're quite welcome. I know about the shame trap from personal experience, and I'm glad it's not a big issue for you. I have a long way to go before I escape. I wish you luck in your journey.

It's always good to strive to be a better person. But it's also toxic to be ashamed of who you are, in the now. Be careful not to fall into that trap.

Thanks for the welcome!

Just want to drop by and say hi. Not quite sure what to put here, since it's public and I can't seem to find the "Share Your Story" forum. (Link, anyone?) A little background. I'm nearly 50, working in Information Technology and have been dealing with issues since I was in my early teens. I've been in therapy for a *long* time, but this is the first time I've tried engaging with something like a "support group." The vast majority of my past therapy has dealt with other issues, not specifically sexual ones (and, yes, I have lots of issues.) I'm hoping I can get help, and maybe even help so