Am I losing my mind? ***Trigger sexual abuse ***

[Inthenightgarden1]

I’ve recently been going through the process of reporting sexual abuse I suffered as a child for 8 years. Since finishing the last interview I feel like I’m going a bit crazy. I keep “seeing” my abuser in places. For example I will be in a shop and convinced that I’ve seen him. I will panic, get upset and then after a while realise that the person I’ve seen looks nothing like him. Also, I keep re living every bad experience I’ve ever had (lots not even related to abuse!) I feel like I’m going crazy :(

@Inthenightgarden1, I'm really sorry, that sounds really difficult.

I imagine that reporting the SA has just brought everything to the forefront of your mind - hopefully things will settle down for you soon.

I think you're doing a very brave thing. Try to after yourself as much as you can.

*look after yourself

Gosh. Well done on reporting the abuse. You’re so brave and absolutely doing the right thing. Your brain will be trying to process a lot of historic shit. Are you able to get some counselling? You would be eligible for free sessions via NHS. Or private if you can afford it.
You’re not going mad. But you do need to build up your support network as you’ll be processing a lot. The brain is very powerful and can pull tricks on us - like seeing your abuser.

Please seek some counselling, sounds like talking about it has reinforced the trauma. Seriously well done for being so brave.

Reporting of abuse should go hand-in-hand with counselling. I am sorry you are feeling bad - you are not going mad I promise you.