I'm a 46 year old woman, married (twice) with no children. I'm working as a professional in a fairly high-stress occupation.
I'm dealing with maternal abuse, physical and psychological, and neglect.
I'm also dealing with complete family estrangement - no contact with either close or extended family for several years now.
I've suffered from chronic illnesses for years since childhood (bowel diseases, anemia, etc...)
I've had problems in the past with nightmares, and problems with anger, both of which I've had great success at overcoming. However, since then I've developed difficulties with self-care, anxiety, and chronic illnesses which have become almost incapacitating.
I'm also independant, I've managed to overcome a lot of adverse situations and have achieved many successes in my life which I'd love to share. I can't acknowledge my achievements in life without acknowledging what I've overcome. This is impossible to do in the working world.
My biggest problems are: 1) the lack of acknowledgement or understanding of maternal abuse 2) the lack of resources and supports from both the medical and self-help community for non-sexual abuse survivors, and 3) the trivialization of the impacts of both maternal and non-sexual abuse. 4) living with/dealing with severe family estrangement. 5) having to live my life 'wearing a mask'.
I'm hoping to correspond with anyone who shares any of the above problems - particularly maternal abuse and family estrangement.
Also very interested in hearing from people with professions - how they manage to chart their course in the working world without disclosing their past and jeopardizing their careers.
First of all, well done for all you have achieved. I know from what I experienced that succeeding against the odds is hard and take bags of energy and determination. I am a professional woman and in a stressful position. I think it is harder to see the way through your career as you become more senior as the positions become more lonely. Also it is better if you cango through without disclosing your past as then you know that you are making progress in spite of what has happened to you and hopefully not being held back by the past. One of the problems I find is the limits I put on myself through lack of confidence and self esteem.
i am not dure I have been any help, but please know that there are those of us around who understand your struggles and dilemmas.
My biggest problems are: 1) the lack of acknowledgement or understanding of maternal abuse 2) the lack of resources and supports from both the medical and self-help community for non-sexual abuse survivors, and 3) the trivialization of the impacts of both maternal and non-sexual abuse. 4) living with/dealing with severe family estrangement. 5) having to live my life 'wearing a mask'.
I'm hoping to correspond with anyone who shares any of the above problems - particularly maternal abuse and family estrangement.
I share all of those. It's a great relief I'm not alone with that. But sorry it's like that for you too. Maybe we can help each other?
