Effects of Child Abuse

The effects of child abuse are difficult to categorize. So many factors contribute to the effects of child abuse on an individual, based on the specific kind of abuse, longevity, etc. The effects of child abuse on me have been chronic and hard to overcome. In my memoir, Following the Whispers, the reader journeys with me from childhood to present time as I seek to rid myself of the effects of child abuse and create a fulfilling life.

One of the most damaging effects of child abuse has been an inability to stand up for myself without guilt or worry about whether someone will still like or love me. Oftentimes, a feeling of shame would overcome me, even though my behavior was not out of line or bad. Somewhere I read that when we feel guilty, we believe we have done something bad; whereas when we feel shame, we believe we are bad. Shame makes us feel something is fundamentally wrong with ourselves. That was true for most of my life. For many years, saying “no” was damn near impossible. Hating how I look, another one of the effects of child abuse, has thankfully shifted to loving acceptance. Following the Whispers illustrates these and other effects of child abuse, which impacted not only me, but all my relationships.

The key to overcoming effects of child abuse is not slipping into a victim mentality. Awareness and acceptance of the effects of child abuse allowed me to face the consequences and move forward towards healing and wholeness. Following the Whispers is that journey.

Want to know more about the effects of child abuse? Get your copy of Following the Whispers today.