because you're worth it.
i used to self harm and use drugs, its all a way to numb out the pain od remembering, in order to stop that stuff, you have to deal with the abuse.

I smoke way too much, and I rarely sleep I can go days without any sleep until I get to the point of passing out them maybe 3 hours if I am lucky any more and I will have nightmares, and this has been going on for years, I also attempted suicide twice, and when it all gets to be too much I feel my scar of my wrist and it seems to burn, kinda like it is there letting me know there is a way out, so every day I have to think of just one thing to keep me here. and it is getting harder and harder. so yes I know how you feel I to have alot of baggage

Yes I think it is a common thing to undervalue ourselves.
I have an eating disorder, used to self harm, but also sabotage any good things that come my way.
At least I used too. :0
Hug for you.

I it very commom to have other issues because of the abuse we survived. But, if you face your abuses head on you can learn to elliminate most of these vices. My biggest problem I had for years was pushing everyone that wanted to get close to me away! End friendships in fear of getting hurt. I am now just careful to who I truly become friends with.

I would say to everyone in the group that has baggage, you can heal yourself!! YOu just have to learn self worth!

With love!!

I smoke, over eat and have no confidence, i sleep too much and i am pretty screwed up in the head, I have taken drugs drank too much and attempted suicide other than that i am fine! lol! It is natural to have effects from the abuse and it takes tine to work through them. I am just at the beginning and have a long way to go.

I think as long as you realise that they are effects of the abuse you can tackle them and then start to realise that you are wort healing...

yes i have alot of bagage. until 10 months ago i still took drugs,i did the gambling thing aswell for another sort of buzz, anything to just not feel, now i'm s'''''t scared for i'm dreaming and smoking heaps my anxiety is taking over i'm actualy feeling all shame giult and anger, i'm all over the place. I never realy had a good sleep pattern as its the night that i fear the most, i'm still looking over my shoulder just incase hes there. i'm going to deal with all of this as its time for me, if in the proccess i can get rid of alot of bagage thats great if not then i might just lock them up in the shed

I would lke to thank you for your comments, its reasuring to know Im not alone with my baggage, just wish I could travel a little lighter as excess baggage costs a lot!

There are all kinds of self-harm. Some people say that smoking, overeating, and all kinds of things that bring temporary comfort but are not good for us are actually forms of self-harm. I drink and smoke and other things. I don't know why we have to hurt ourselves to deal with being hurt! I guess it's better if we're in control of the pain. And we can't live without pain. Not until we see we don't deserve it.

I tried all sorts of things to make the pain go away. I became an alcoholic by trying to numb the pain with alcohol. I chain smoked, because smoking suppresses feelings, too. I put on weight to make myself less attractive so I wouldn't have to deal with being hit on and pursued by men. I became sexually anorexic for many years until I married, and then promiscuous for a short period when my marriage ended. I developed depression and PTSD. I isolated and became so damaged psychologically that I couldn't work. I have difficulty maintaining relationships of any kind because I pull away or push away.

I have made progress in counselling. I am 13 years clean and sober now. I've been smoke free for 10 years. My depression is under control and my PTSD is much more manageable than it was before. I'm volunteering, preparing to go back to work. I've lost weight and am trying to get in touch with my healthy sexuality. I still struggle with relationships, but have hope that I can learn to trust again.

So, things can get better caf. We are not fated to a life of living hell. There are things we can do to improve the quality of our life, but it takes time and tough choices.

A lot of the positive changes in my life have happened since I started removing toxic people and situations from my life. I seemed to acquire them for awhile. lol Gah. Talk about offering myself up as a victim.

Well, I am making healthier choices now...and I do take some steps back occasionally on my journey, but overall, I'm moving ahead.

I hoe this gives you some hope, caf, that you can reclaim those lost parts of yourself, too. There is so much to love about you, if only you'd share it with others...and most importantly...yourself. And I'm not being trite. That's where it all starts, by risking seeing yourself in a different light.

Oh yeah: *hug* :-)

Why don't you like yourself? I hope you know that what was done to you is not your fault, you are not dirty and you deserve every dream you can think of. yes other baggae is very common, it spills over into all other areas , sometimes you may not be aware for years how it has effected something. But it can get better and you are not worthless. I myself used to cut, and I was going to commit suicide and a myriad of other problems drug and alcohol abuse etc.. have you sought out counseling? It might help.

caf,

Yea, I have an eating disorder on/off anorexia which I feel worse at times because it's suppose to be a female disease, bi-polar, ACOA, self harmed and attempted suicde, extreme isolative behavior, self-hatred at times.......,.....,,,,yea, I can go on too.

I am trying to love myself today for who I am today, all of me. If I can try it's a good day.

Yes I have bagage. Smoke to much is my biggest problem. Dont get enough sleep, dont eat , tried suicide twice, have very low self esteem and the list goes on.