How to break free from shame and secrecy
after sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is one of the most secret and shameful things that can happen to a person. The lasting effects of sexual abuse can be felt for a lifetime. But there is hope. survivors of sexual abuse can and do heal. Many go on to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, know that you are not alone. There is help available. And there is hope for healing.
Breaking Free from Shame and Secrecy
The first step in healing from sexual abuse is to break the silence. For many survivors, the shame and secrecy that surround sexual abuse can be almost as damaging as the abuse itself.
Silence fuels shame. It keeps abuse a secret and allows it to continue. But when survivors speak out, they take back the power that silence has given to their abuser.
Breaking the silence can be difficult. It may feel like you are reliving the abuse all over again. But it is a crucial step in the healing process.
There are many ways to break the silence. You can:
• Tell a friend, family member, therapist, or other support person.
• Join a survivors’ support group.
• Write about your experience in a journal or blog.
• Talk to a hotline counselor.
Find an outlet that feels safe for you and that you are comfortable with. You may need to try several different outlets before you find one that feels right.
Disclosing what happened to you is your decision. You do not have to share your story with anyone if you are not ready or don’t feel safe doing so. But if you do decide to tell someone, choose someone you trust who will believe you and be supportive.
Healing from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. But it is possible. With help and support, you can learn to cope with the aftermath of abuse and eventually move on with your life..See page
5 steps to ending binge eating for good
If you’re someone who struggles with binge eating, know that you’re not alone. Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents. Although it’s more common in women, binge eating disorder doesn’t discriminate—it can affect people of any age, weight, or gender.
Ending binge eating isn’t easy, but it is possible. If you’re ready to make a change, here are five steps to help you stop binge eating for good:
1. Understand your triggers
Identifying your personal triggers is an important first step in ending your binge eating. These triggers can be internal (like emotions or stress) or external (like seeing certain foods or being in certain environments). Once you know what sets off your binge eating, you can start to find other ways to deal with those triggers.
2. Build a support system
Having a supportive network is crucial when you’re trying to make any kind of change in your life. When it comes to ending binge eating, lean on your loved ones for emotional support. And don’t be afraid to seek professional help—a therapist or counselor can be a great resource.
3. Establish healthy eating habits
If you’re used to binge eating, making healthier eating choices can be daunting. But it’s important to remember that there is no “perfect” way to eat. Every body is different and there’s no such thing as a “right” diet. Focus on making small, manageable changes that you can stick with over time. And be patient with yourself—changing your eating habits is a process.
4. Find other outlets for coping
Binge eating is often a coping mechanism for other issues, like anxiety, depression, or stress. If you can find other ways to deal with these issues, you may find it easier to resist the urge to binge eat. Some healthy coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, and meditation.
5. Be gentle with yourself
Making any kind of change is hard—and many people who struggle with BED have been doing it for years. Be patient with yourself and cut yourself some slack. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up—just get back on track. Remember, you’re not perfect and that’s okay.
If you’re ready to start making changes in your life, these five steps can help you end your binge eating for good.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about how to stop binge eating. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.
