Symptoms of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Recognising the symptoms of abuse can be problematic and it is common for people to experience various problems and not know that the underlying cause is an abusive childhood. Abuse itself is obviously very traumatic and it can be equally if not more difficult to an adult to find out in later life that they have experienced abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. However, unless this abuse is realised the adult may go on experiencing unresolved difficulties the cause of which they just cannot understand or cope with.
Many adults who have experienced childhood abuse will often show emotional, psychological and/or behavioural symptoms before the actual abuse itself is uncovered and it is important to understand that these symptoms are possible reactions to something greater than the problems themselves. Some of the symptoms experienced by adult victims of childhood sexual abuse are:
- Problems with sleeping (too little or too much)
- Nightmares and/or night terrors
- Panic/anxiety attacks
- Self harm
- Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
- Drug and/or alcohol addiction
- Lack of trust
- Problems with intimacy
- Shame
- Lack of childhood memory
- Feelings of powerlessness
- Unexplained or elusive painful memories or flashbacks
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms then it is possible that childhood abuse is the cause. The aim of the Aurora Health Foundation is to help with the problems caused by childhood abuse so do get in touch with us to start getting support.