I'm still in the stage you are in, so I can't tell you how long it takes to get better. I have been told that it is a long process and it's not going to be easy. I hope you are on some meds for the panic attacks. That helps me. Good luck! You are not alone.

It has been an extremely long journey for me. I was grown before I ever started remembering, although I had always known that something wasn't quite right. I'm 46 and just now remembering who the man was. Before now, what I remembered was mostly feelings and some flashbacks of scenes in my mind. I've also been told that it's a long process and that in itself scared me to death. I can't imagine going on forever in this state. I'm on an antidepressant, zoloft, and it helps somewhat at times, but I've started having panick attacks and it hasn't helped that. Good luck to you.

i'm still working on it too...i started in june. and yeah, it gets worse before it gets better, but you definitely start to take steps forward. my panic attacks have flared up a lot, as has insomnia and lack of emotional control. but my nightmares have stopped and i can now say that i truly believe it's not my fault that i was abused and i have a lot more good days than before.

the reason it gets worse is that everything was suppressed for so long. it was the only way we knew how to deal with it at the time that it happened. but now (as others have told you) you're ready to deal with it all.

i'd say with the help of a good counselor and friends (please don't try to do this alone!) you should see improvement within a year. i can't say for sure but that's been my experience.

good luck and we're all here for you!

each person is different. some heal quickly others not. i don't want to sound discouraging but it took me thirty years to get over my abuse. that does not mean it will take you that long. i will keep you in my thoughts.
(((((HUGS)))))

Whewww, I am a survivor of child torment and rape by my brother along with 2 uncles molesting me, I was around 7 to teenage before I told my mom and she called me a lier!
So talk about feeling like filth inside. My Father beat me till I quite crying, I learned to disconnect from pain of what ever it was. At night my brother try to suffocate me with a pillow more than once, holding knifes on me, you get the picture.
You know as well as I do it is not fear but terror. The terror fallows you, I can tell you there is much hope, it is called strength and grace. Knowing you were an innocent victim of some sick shit head who did what ever in minutes time our lives change forever.
The hope ; panic attacks will not kill you, stress will, clesha" If you have no problems with drugs ask you Doctor who knows you that you need clonazepam I know the feeling you are talking about so well, but this drug is addicting I decided to take it anyway cause it makes me feel much happier dealing with PTSS.
The day you get better from this that follows you is to forgive, not for that person but for your sake, be a child of God for this is his battle, give it to him, he will do the judging, he knows your tears, let God cradle you, the little girl inside who hurts so much, let your Father take care of this one.
I pray this helps you, have grace knowing inside you are unique and one individual who is strong and some one with character, no one can take that!

I have the same question, I kept that pandoras box locked up 26 years , just started counseling and am waiting for the tital wave. Think it is "better" when it is not manifesting itself in your life anymore. I guess that is how I will recognize when I get there. The rest of my life belongs to me. They are going to be MY years. Best of luck to you, grab surf board and ride it out. Im sure its going to be a doozy.
peace

It takes as long as you need it to take! xxxx

Thank you, I know that it is no conselation to you and your own feelings but it really does make me feel better to know that others are going though the same thing and are strong enough to come out the other side.
Some of you suggested meds - I keep saying no to the doctor, to be honest I don't know why I do, I think I'm scared of losing control of my own feelings, I don't know.
Peace and safe hugs to you all X X