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Piata Wormald's avatar

Interesting to understand that shame is an emotion felt in a different part of the brain as a reason why it's more complex, deep rooted and takes longer to heal.

In my experience my shame protected my parents from the sexual abuse I experienced as a child. It was easier to pretend it didn't happen than to upset my parents. In protecting my parents I protected myself as I was reliant on their care. However now I tell my story. The shame persists but it's fading as I write it out. I reassure myself now as a 58 year old adult, that I won't abandon myself which was my fear as a child. It's now time and more important for my future health and my children's life to heal this wound, and release the shame and blame.

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Danielle Donelson, PhD's avatar

Piata,

Thank you sharing - I'm so glad that you also have found healing through writing. I also have found it therapeutic to narrate and put words to my stories/survivorship. I do think many people abused/who have survived trauma(s)-- like yours--do carry such shame. I'm glad you're working to heal it for you and your children. <3 Love to you all.

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