How do you recall possible history of sexual abuse?

Question

After much evaluation by my psychologist he (and other therapists) wonders if I was sexually abused as a child. I have a lot of the adult characteristics of a sex abused victim but have no memory of it. I've thought about this over and over and when I think I come up with some memory I get anxious and everything becomes vague and I just get confused. Other than hypnotism, is there any other way to recall something like this? Serious answers please..

Answer 1

I'm so sorry if something like that happened to you. From what you said, it sounds like the memories are there, but part of you is afraid to let them come out. The other poster had a good idea, about asking old teachers and stuff like that. Try thinking about all of the people in your past - relatives, neighbors, babysitters, anyone; male or female. It might have even been someone who was a kid themselves, or a teenager. Is there anyone that makes you feel very nervous to think about? If so, try focusing on your memories of that person.

Answer 2

There is really no way to know. I know this can be extremely frustrating. What you can do though, is accept the fact that you don't know and work on the symptoms that you do have. The best way to find out any information is to ask your parents (if they are alive and willing to talk about such taboo subjects as sexual abuse) or talk to siblings

The reliability of hypnotism is under question in the mental health field. Some practitioners believe strongly in it, while others believe that it has no reliability whatsoever.

A good book to read is "Helping victims of Sexual Abuse" by Lynn Heitritter & Jeanette Vought, another good book to read is "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud & John Townsend.

Answer 3

It'll come if and when it's suppose to. You don't want to recall something that may throw you over the edge, not being prepared for the tramatic events that may have taken place. We repress memories for protection of self. Also I know of people who were sexually abused yet did not realize that was the catagory in which it fell. The actual events are not as important as dealing with the CHARACTERISTICS of a sexally abused person, in which, by the way would make you a surviour.

Answer 4

A suppressed memory is not something you want to force.
It is a difficult situation since it has been suggested to you by your therapists and psychologist, I find that a bit unusual/curious. By power of suggestion, you may have false memories.
Who came to the conclusion that you have a lot of characteristics of a sex abuse survivor? What are these characteristics?

Answer 5

I don't think there is, no. The recollection should be natural and not forced by some other means (electroshock or something similar) because it's a serious accusation/experience. Keep the therapy going and try not to over-think things. Hypnotism works wonders for many people.

Answer 6

Some people have been able to recall events if they happened, by being involved with a support group, whose members have been abused. Firstly you are in a very safe environment with like-minded people and the sharing and caring atmosphere, tends to have a calming effect. When stress is taken out of the equation, what happens is similar to when you take exams, or try to fall pregnant - you are more likely to be successful one way or the other...

Answer 7

If you are haven't a memory block, hypnotism might help, but there are other forms of memory recall therapy's. Often you subconscious will release it's hidden secrets in dreams and it's a good idea to record your dreams every night for clues.

Answer 8

I had none of mine either and after about a year of therapy I started to remember. I asked my mother about it and she said that I was to young to remember so they just let it go. I couldn't. When I popped off the name of the guy who did it to me my mom told me there is no way you could remember that you were only three. When all was said and done she let me know that yes it did happen but they never thought I would remember. I am 46 now and it came out like 5 or 6 years ago. My parents were astounded.

Answer 9

Do you really want to remember something like that? I am not making fun, but I am just asking. If you have supressed it for years or just don't remember, what benefit will it be to you to try to remember or "create" memories of some abuse that has not been in your mind for years?

Just a though!

Answer 10

My suggestion might want to be to be sure a therapist that you would possibly want to be helped with those repressed concepts. i'm sorry that you went by all that you've been in a position to save in concepts so some distance in spite of the undeniable fact that it would want to be impressive to workout recurring something of your concepts in a managed surroundings so that they received't sneak up on you in a clumsy second.