Trigger alert- SA victim

[itsanamechangeforme]

Hi there. This is so hard to write. I was the victim of SA from the age of 4 until 16. For years I’ve tried to ignore but triggered all the time. Diagnosis of bipolar. I’ve never disclosed the abuse to any drs but recently I’ve been really unwell and next week I see the psychiatrist- I know I need to address this because I can’t carry on living life like this. I’m really scared to talk about this to them and worried they will report this on my behalf as the abuser is still alive.
not sure what I hope to achieve from this post but I need to get better for my kids
much love to you all

Ah op…. What a distressing situation and I am sorry for all you have been through.

anyone working in MH should be very used to someone working through disclosure. They won’t expect you to sit and tell everything and name the person straight away.

you could say to psych that you have been abused and you would like to disclose slowly and carefully. If you have a good talking therapist they will do some work with you before you disclose to prepare you for the effects on your emotions as it can be very destabilising.

just take it all slowly.

they will ask if you want to name abuser and contact police but you can say no.

of course they have safeguarding responsibilities so if for instance you had said they work with children etc they would have to peruse this…

good luck op and I hope the disclosure journey gives you some peace

Brilliant advice from @Wish44

If you think it will be difficult finding the words, write it down so that they can start the conversation rather than you having to initiate.

Thank you both. Your replies mean a great deal and have something really helpful advice.

I think if you name the perpetrator they do have a duty to report it if the person is still alive - in my case they weren't.Youre under no obligation to name them if you don't want to. Take it slowly in your own time. I'm so sorry this has happened to you.