In 1989, I was 22 years old, and I had just been diagnosed with PTSD stemming from childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, abandonment, and neglect. What I needed more than therapy or books or experts or support groups was to meet a woman, decades older, who had a childhood as bad as mine or worse – and who went on to have a life. A personal life. A professional life. A sex life. A family life.
I was aching to see with my own eyes this middle-aged survivor. I needed proof of her existence because she is what I feared I could never become.
Ordinary. Typical. Free.
She would know the frozen paralysis of a soul in terror and the raging heat of adrenaline coursing through the system uninvited.
She would know the enemy who shares the face of caregiver, who doles out abuse and ice cream.
If you are interested, the rest is on: http://twloha.com/blog/maybe-i...needed/#comment-4242
But We in the High ACE Scoring Community have seen so many changes in treatment, activism, resources and support. More and more of us are "out' and able to find one another without shame (or with less shame).
I hope things become radically different and better going forward.
I do what I can with writing and art work. I'm so glad to see what others do professionally and personally as well. The world really is changing.
Cissy
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