If you suffered abuse in childhood, how has it impacted you later in life?

[CandyCrane]

I suffered emotional abuse and neglect by my mum.

In my adult life, I have suffered from eating disorders, anxiety & depression. Drank excessively in early 20s. I slept with lots of men and i would say I was abused by some.

I attend counselling now but I often feel dirty, disgusting and worthless.

I’m interested to hear how others have been affected by similar treatment.

Hugs to everyone that’s been through this

I had the emotional abuse, today I still hate mirrors I can cope with the bathroom one because that’s for your face and dh uses it for shaving, but no mirrors in the bedroom compact ones for lipstick are fine, hate photos of me, I only like my wedding ones. I’ve told my gps never to say about diets I’ve hated my body most of my life, today I’m getting better I wear what is comfortable, if it’s an xxlarge then so be it.

I’m sorry to hear that @Holothane.

Sometimes I just feel a bit alone in all of the problems I’ve had/still have because of my messed up childhood. I thought it might help to know we are not alone and there are others struggling in the same way.

I find it hard that there has never been any comeuppance for my mum. It’s just me who continues to suffer. Hopefully my counselling will help me through that.

I left my first marriage 16 years ago now at first the family weren’t too bad but the digs started again, in the end after being pulled to bits in front of my then newly engaged fiancé I ditched the lot, best thing I’ve ever done, my in-laws have been the parents I should have had, I felt guilty for years because I didn’t miss my dad so much a year after he died, today I don’t. Hugs.

Oh yes you get as much help as you can.

If you haven't already, you might like to look at Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the physical and mental impact they have for all of your life. Self medication is a typical response.
James Docherty is interesting in YouTube, but I'm sure there are lots of resources.

Hiya, I suffered emotional and physical abuse. I also witnessed domestic violence. I have PTSD, anxiety and depression as a result of this. Whenever my mental health starts slipping I get a very unhealthy relationship with food, I either comfort eat or will not eat at all. I don’t like not being in control either. But it’s been a year now since my last depressive episode and I’m getting a lot of help

I suffered physical and emotional abuse.

I like to think it hasn't had any adverse effects on me now I'm in my late 30's. I made some questionable decisions as a late teen and in my early 20's, but who didn't.

It has influenced me on my career decisions and paths, but I'm very thankful for that.

Doing what I do, I know I'm very lucky to be in the head space that I am.

It hasn't as I've got older. I have learned to adult I think and realise that you kinda need to kick it into touch and react differently.

@CandyCrane

I suffered emotional abuse and neglect by my mum.

In my adult life, I have suffered from eating disorders, anxiety & depression. Drank excessively in early 20s. I slept with lots of men and i would say I was abused by some.

I attend counselling now but I often feel dirty, disgusting and worthless.

I’m interested to hear how others have been affected by similar treatment.

Hugs to everyone that’s been through this

I definitely think it has. I suffered physical, mental and emotional abuse, even though I've been with my boyfriend for 8 years we have twins and a house I still worry that some of my behaviour will just send him out the door, nothing huge but I will bottle everything up and then just break down because I'm so frustrated. I was a well behaved child and everyone said I was a credit to her but the reality was I was just hoping to get through the day with no abuse, so being good sometimes meant it wouldn't happen. We once almost had a argument but I'm still terrified even being a full grown adult, where she essentially said she'd moved past so I should too. This is only the tip of the iceberg, I've never been able to tell anyone the whole truth incase we were taken into care which maybe wouldn't have been a bad thing. My brother told someone something once and he was beaten and told to take it back so he did. It's scared me for sure.

Emotional abuse and neglect from age 11 by mother and stepfather. Disinterest in my life and family as an adult by both of them. Mother has said some very hurtful things.

Despite trying to get help and support everywhere I could think of... I remain unconfident, passive and feel unimportant [let the other person take over, my needs go into the background]. Often very unsure of myself, indecisive, and I don't push myself on people, don't get in touch/text etc. much so I think maybe others think I am not interested...I am, just trying not to be a nuisance. Happier without a relationship and living on my own...think others are happier with me out of the way, I can't upset or irritate anyone then. Very isolated.

Relationships haven't lasted longer than 5-6years apart from a 10 year marriage which I contributed to ruining [not deliberately]. I tend to push people away before they do it to me and of course it becomes a self fulfilling prophesy. It's sad, and I feel for anyone feeling the same, but I do like my own company and am ok, and it's just safer that way.

Neglect, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. I have CPTSD but I just had therapy with an awesome therapist and am now working really hard on my healing. I'm doing ok