There are many books out there on sexual abuse, and healing from it. I don't really like the books that talk about it too much, I don't know. I want books that really say something, explain to me why I feel the way I do, and don't just say, "It'll get better."
I have had trouble finding a book I liked, until just a few months ago. This book is actually not just on sexual abuse – it’s on surviving trauma. But it fits in with sexual abuse, and she talks about it quite a bit.
She helped me understand why I feel the way I do, why I can’t sleep, why I can’t stop thinking about it when I want to stop, and more. She also talks about how to use imagery to heal, and this is something that has been a huge help to me. Actually, my therapist recommended this book because of the imagery scripts.
If you could buy only ONE book on healing, this is the book I'd tell you to buy. (And I own over 1300 books... yes, really. I, um, like to read.)
Check it out on Amazon.com:
Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They Heal
http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Heroes-Survivors-Trauma-They/dp/0553803506
Showing posts with label resources for survivors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resources for survivors. Show all posts
Sunday, July 29, 2007
In Crisis? Need help? Maybe a hotline can help you...
Are you in crisis? Don’t have a therapist to call, or can’t reach him or her, and feeling alone and desperate? Afraid you might do something you will regret later?
There are MANY hotlines that you can call. I have to tell you, though – don’t expect miracles. I have tried some of these hotlines, and at best, they made me think before acting. Sometimes the person on the line isn’t oh-so educated on the right things to say. In fact, they may say all the wrong things.
But the key is while you are talking to them, you are staying alive and safe for just another minute, another hour. And sometimes that’s all you need – someone to help you make it to the next hour.
So, if you have a therapist – try to find them first. If you can’t find them, the hotlines will get you through until you can read your therapist.
And if you don’t have a therapist, please, please, please try to find someone to talk to. You do NOT have to heal from abuse alone. It’s too hard that way. I tried it for years, it doesn’t work. Healing is hard enough to do with someone. If you can’t afford a therapist, sometimes local support groups and resources for survivors of sexual abuse, where they can get free therapy or therapy at a very discounted rate. Call RAINN’s hotline for help finding local options.
Here are some support lines to call in times of crisis:
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800 273-TALK
1-800-DONT-CUT (Self-harm hotline)
1-800-656-HOPE (RAINN’s hotline – they can help you find local rape or sexual abuse counseling options)
And a website that talks about suicide, and crisis lines, what to expect when you call, and so on.
http://suicide.com/suicidecrisiscenter/incrisis.html
[Note that Stop It Now!’s hotline 1-888-PREVENT is not a crisis line, but a confidential hotline for those concerned about a child, concerned about an adult who they think may be at risk for abusing a child sexually, or for those worried about disturbing thoughts regarding hurting a child themselves. You can read more about Stop It Now!’s hotline here: http://www.stopitnow.org/help.html]
There are MANY hotlines that you can call. I have to tell you, though – don’t expect miracles. I have tried some of these hotlines, and at best, they made me think before acting. Sometimes the person on the line isn’t oh-so educated on the right things to say. In fact, they may say all the wrong things.
But the key is while you are talking to them, you are staying alive and safe for just another minute, another hour. And sometimes that’s all you need – someone to help you make it to the next hour.
So, if you have a therapist – try to find them first. If you can’t find them, the hotlines will get you through until you can read your therapist.
And if you don’t have a therapist, please, please, please try to find someone to talk to. You do NOT have to heal from abuse alone. It’s too hard that way. I tried it for years, it doesn’t work. Healing is hard enough to do with someone. If you can’t afford a therapist, sometimes local support groups and resources for survivors of sexual abuse, where they can get free therapy or therapy at a very discounted rate. Call RAINN’s hotline for help finding local options.
Here are some support lines to call in times of crisis:
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800 273-TALK
1-800-DONT-CUT (Self-harm hotline)
1-800-656-HOPE (RAINN’s hotline – they can help you find local rape or sexual abuse counseling options)
And a website that talks about suicide, and crisis lines, what to expect when you call, and so on.
http://suicide.com/suicidecrisiscenter/incrisis.html
[Note that Stop It Now!’s hotline 1-888-PREVENT is not a crisis line, but a confidential hotline for those concerned about a child, concerned about an adult who they think may be at risk for abusing a child sexually, or for those worried about disturbing thoughts regarding hurting a child themselves. You can read more about Stop It Now!’s hotline here: http://www.stopitnow.org/help.html]
Support is important...
Dear readers,
Sorry for those lame quick-posts, but I was talking to my sister on the phone. Had to tell her about my terrible doc apt, and being that she's a doctor, well, it's very gratifying when she says, "What a jerk!" So much better...
Which brings me to the topic of... support! Having support is very important for survivors, whether that comes from family, friends, or a group.
I have found wonderful support online from a web site called Pandora's Aquarium
http://pandys.org/
Panys is a great support website for survivors. I've tried quite a few, and none beat pandys. There are message boards and chat rooms, and people are usually so kind and helpful. The moderators are great, too.
If you're feeling alone, needing someone to listen who will understand, and don't have a friend or family member to share with -- or it's something you just don't want to share with people that you know -- Pandys may be the place for you.
Much love,
Anna
Sorry for those lame quick-posts, but I was talking to my sister on the phone. Had to tell her about my terrible doc apt, and being that she's a doctor, well, it's very gratifying when she says, "What a jerk!" So much better...
Which brings me to the topic of... support! Having support is very important for survivors, whether that comes from family, friends, or a group.
I have found wonderful support online from a web site called Pandora's Aquarium
http://pandys.org/
Panys is a great support website for survivors. I've tried quite a few, and none beat pandys. There are message boards and chat rooms, and people are usually so kind and helpful. The moderators are great, too.
If you're feeling alone, needing someone to listen who will understand, and don't have a friend or family member to share with -- or it's something you just don't want to share with people that you know -- Pandys may be the place for you.
Much love,
Anna
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