My name is Seren and I thought I'd just write a few words about myself and why I'm here. I'm a survivor of historical abuse - sexual, physical, mental and emotional - that I only really remembered just three years ago, in my forties. I always knew my childhood wasn't quite right, but nothing made sense until I got my memory back. My therapist (who is remarkable) said it was a "perfect storm." I'd finally found myself in a loving relationship (after years of abusive ones), I'd managed to bring up a wonderful child to adulthood, but I went through another trauma which brought the original childhood traumas back. It's easy to feel down, but I felt like I'd found the missing jigsaw pieces to my life. In some ways, it was a massive relief knowing that I wasn't going mad!
Anyway, lots of things happened - I was unable to work, I was diagnosed with PTSD and a number of other conditions, but I try to stay glass half full!
Not always easy. I finally know who I am and what happened and I wouldn't turn back the clock to forgetting again.The hard thing at the moment is that I've decided I finally have the courage to report the abuse. I feel strong enough and I feel like I deserve to finally speak out and recognise it's not my fault. However, my family have mostly turned against me and are extremely angry with me. It's a scary place to be! But I'm determined to do what I know is right for me and for others who might have suffered from this also. I have to believe that the truth always sets you free.
Anyway, I've rambled on enough for a first post! That's me in a nutshell. I have a wonderful husband and son, two fabulous older step-daughters who are so loving and supportive and a younger step-son. I have two dogs and two cats (I sleep every night cuddled up with snoring balls of fur because we're both too soft!) I also have had the support of some beautiful friends. Thank you so much for accepting me into this group. xx
