Thread by @AzieDee

People think that if you’re a survivor of child abuse, you’re trust issues are connected to your abuser. No, it’s even deeper than that.

There were so many people - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers - who didn’t see it or who knew and did nothing. They failed you.

It feels like they should have protected you. And I can tell you, you’re right, they should have. They should have done better. Heck, society should be better. The world should be better. Children should be protected, safe, and loved.

It leads to a lifelong battle with self-worth. Never mind that you were abused - that fucks up your sense of self. But damn, if all those people didn’t care enough abt you to do anything or even to know you enough to see something was wrong, you really aren’t worth shit.

You can be “over” your abuse, done the work to move past it, but still be dealing with this and don’t even know it. You don’t know why you arent close to your family, friends, never feel close anyone at all. Or you keep choosing people who - don’t abuse you - but let you down.

Listen, I know it is hard to believe - after everyone in your childhood fucked you over, it seems impossible - but the truth is there are people who want to love you the right way, and that means to protect you too. People who will do everything they can not to let you down.

And the best part is that this time around you get a choice. You get to choose to have *those* people in your life. People who will put you first. People who you can trust.

And what’s more, you get to be that person for someone else.

It’s such a gift.

Feeling safe is real. Trust it.
Feeling unsafe is real. Listen to it.
Feeling happy is real. Enjoy it.
Needing more is real. Ask for it.
Love is real. Believe in it.
Life is good. Make it so.
#childabuse #survivorstories