I wish i had suggestions.
I have read vaguely about how male survivors of sexual abuse have different symptoms and react differently to the trauma. But other than that i'm not sure.

It sounds like to me though, that the main problem is not so much that it is difficult TO treat, but that it is difficult to find someone who knows HOW to help you get treated.
But that's just a guess.

I've struggled with the same issue on many levels. Sick but not sick enough to warrant help or treatment through my health care providers. Psych insurance? LOL it's laughable these days and amounts to crisis care, medication monitoring and a meeting schedule for the Anonymous group of your flavor.

Is there hope for either of us? I think so. But I'm nuts, lol not 'officially' nuts tho, yet.

Nice to meet you. I'm Barb

Wish I could help but I know nothing about how the male gender being different than the female gender who deals with sexual abuse...as a victim/survor of that type of abuse, I wonder if it is different? if it is harder to treat?

Sean, don't allow your self to fall through any cracks. So long as you have hope, you will find a way to motivate yourself into healing from your trauma's.

That is hogwash. Maybe like here there are only military PTSD groups but your disorder and cause are treatable. They are treatable by you in fact most of the improvement will come from your practice with tools to heal just like the rest of us.

It may be harder for you maybe not but improvement comes with action and work. I would make sure i\I proved that persons wall erected for you does not deter you.

people have told some of the most successful people in life that this or that would always limit them.


Limitations are under your control. No therapist or individual can walk the walk for you.

Good Luck

I, too, am a male survivor of childhood incest and other sexual abuse. I have been in recovery for these issues since 1986, and I remember very clearly how difficult it was to find information geared towards men when I first got into recovery. There were plenty of resources for the ladies, but almost nothing for the men. Fortunately, that has changed over the years, and there are now all kinds of helpful resources available for the male survivor.

Two resources that have proven very helpful to me are Twelve Step groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous) that are designed for survivors. One group is called Survivors of Incest Anonymous (www.siawso.org/), and the other one is Incest Survivors Anonymous (www.lafn.org/medical/isa/home.html). Despite the similar names, these are two separate and distinct groups. Each offers Twelve Step meetings all across the U.S. and Canada, as well as quite a few groups overseas. They also have telephone meetings and online groups if the in-person groups don't work for you. And just for your information, they define "incest" very broadly so that it can include such people is babysitters, teachers, coaches, scout leaders, and even priests, ministers, and rabbis. In some areas, they even have groups just for male survivors!

Another thing that helped me were the books that are now available for the male survivor. These would include books such as "Victims No Longer", by Mike Lew, and "Broken Boys/Mending Men", by Stephen D. Grubman-Black. Another author you might want to check out would be Mic Hunter. And be sure to take a look at the website for the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute (www.csbsju.edu/isti).

Another resource you might find helpful is ChildHelp U.S.A. They have a telephone "hotline" that is answered 24/7, and they can refer you to a therapist in your area who is knowledgeable about treating male survivors, or if you prefer, they can refer you to an In-patient (residential) treatment facility that treats male survivors. Of course, if you just need to talk, they are more than will to listen to you. Their phone number is (800)-4-A-CHILD.

There are a few ideas to get you started. I hope something here is of some help to you. The important thing is to never give up. If you do, your abuser wins. Don't give them the pleasure or the satisfaction! There are resources for you out there, so just keep looking and digging. And if I can be of any further assistance, please let me know. I'll be very happy to help in any way I can. Take care, and best of luck to you!

P.S. -- Although I haven't personally seen the new version of this book, I understand there is now a new edition that works for men as well as women. The book I'm talking about is titled, "Courage to Heal", by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis. It's been available for women for many, many years, and it's fantastic! Let's just hope that this new edition is as good as the original.

What a wonderful and caring post my man.

I hope your plea to never give up or the abusers win hits a chord with all here just not Sean.

We all think we face great difficulties and some feel they will never get better.

You have the power of your mind and will to come threw this and be a complete happy individual. Nothing will take away what has happened but improving and striving to improve will make you into a different person a better person.

Just like charlie you will then be in a position to pass your wisdom to someone like Charlie. He is a resource that I would contact and share his journey.

Good Luck and thank you Charlie for having the courage to come forward and share your experience.

That inspires me to work harder and be happier
Thank you.