My niece was sexually abused by her teenage uncle (on her paternal side- not our side). It was reported and all the appropriate steps have been taken and she's doing well. I also have a daughter of my own and after hearing this I am so paranoid about leaving her in anyone's care--even my own family! Even when friends want to take my daughter along with their kids. Is this wrong? I have no reason to believe that members of my family or friends would do something, but I still am paranoid. I mean, you hear of this happening to children all of the time but never believe it can happen to your own kids until it happens. That's how my sister felt. Is this normal and will this feeling of paranoia ever go away!? Please help.
2007-08-02 18:45:13 · 4 answers · asked by justmeeh 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
You are not abnormal. Most people have that "It can't happen to me", illusion until they experience something like you did. You now know that it can happen to you and yours and are frightened excessively because it's a new feeling.
I don't know how old your daughter is and therefore what her physical strength is. She should be taught how to defend herself so that she can prevent someone from hurting her. How to use handy weapons like lamps or phones to hit her attacker with. Starting to learn Karate might be good if she's old enough. It will help both of your piece of mind.
There is nothing wrong with checking the plans of others so that your daughter will be supervised by a responsible adult. You can help your feelings of anxiety be consciously talking to yourself in your mind. Emotions are produced when we mentally tell our self things.
I wouldn't be surprised if you are thinking some anxious thought when you are feeling anxious. You can mentally tell yourself things like: Just because this happened to my niece doesn't mean it will happen to my daughter. My daughter will be safe because she is with a trustworthy adult, etc.
The truth is that we are not totally in control of what happens to us but we can take sensible precautions. If you believe in God and His love for us, that can be a big help in dealing with anxiety about the unknown.
I pray for my safety and the safety of loved ones and I believe that He listens and loves your daughter more than anyone. You can pray the 23rd Psalm and substitute your daughter's name for the pronouns in the psalm. That helps me a lot.
And of course, you will become less anxious as time goes by and you see your daughter doing fine.
I have no children but I love my 29 y/o niece as if she is my daughter. I still get afraid for her at times even though she is very capable and married to a very capable, good man. When I feel that way I just remember that God loves her more than I do and He is in control.
If these feelings of excessive anxiety continue too long, you may need a councelor to help you get rid of it.
2007-08-02 19:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by Smartassawhip 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes ,feeling that way is normal.If you weren't,now that would NOT be normal,but u r so u r normal & those feelings should lessen with time.you might want to consider counseling ,& not for just the person abused,but for all those affected by this as well.Your girl didnt do anything wrong ,& i pray that GOD Blesses you & yours with PEACE,Happiness & LOVE!Hope this helps.Peace n love not wars n walls!
2007-08-03 02:25:36 · answer #2 · answered by joeniceguy2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need to teach your kid what to do to prevent being sexually abuse. u are just being to overly concerned.
2007-08-03 01:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by sosme 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think you should seek counselling
2007-08-03 02:08:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋