Well, for a long time I didn't sleep hardly at all. I used to bottle up my emotions and let it stew around inside me, but finally I broke and told. After I told a friend and got out few days ago, the first night I slept 15 hours of peaceful much needed sleep. Now I have trouble again. I've talked to my friend, the guy who saved me and got me out about it and he's helping me deal with it. He's really great and supportive. He's not blood family because that's who was hurting me and I got away from them, but he's like a big brother to me. I haven't talked to a therapist at all it's so recent, but I don't think I will. Talking is really helpful, because it helps me to realize it's ok to feel how I feel and not to second guess myself in my head because it's out in the open. talking is a really good thing and very beneficial to healing. Find someone you trust and can listen well and talk. Hugs to you, if you want to talk to me that's cool, I'm on here a lot.

First of all its a process. Sonetimes it takes some longer than others to start to open up and even seek the help they need. With mine, I didn't tell anyone at first. But I was crying out for help in several ways thru my behavior. I first opened up to a close trusted friend who happened to be much older than me. The from then on I kept reaching out to people to try and talk to about it b/c once I got it out I needed to heal and learn to overocme it. The first time I talked to a therapist about everything was when I was much older, an adult. I wish I wouldn't have waited that long but I was so in denial for a long time. And once I went to see a therapist I kept at it leaning on my support system for advise so I could properly get over my past. I am still in therapy but most of all I understand my needs now, I need therapy to overcome it, and I Muxt stay with it until its finnished. Mainly what helped me deal ith my inner struggles was always talking to someone, then journaling, and having different outlets like these. Having a support system of people is important. I didn't talk to my family, just my mentors who I confided in.

Time helped me heal. I also cut my abuser out of my life 10 years ago which helped heaps. Telling my family helped alot and they have been very supportive. Ive also talked to many therapists which has been good. Before I spoke to anyone, it was so hard keeping that secret. It was such a weight lifted off my shoulders when I told and luckily I had a good, supportive reaction.
Just be careful with who you tell. Make sure they are trustworthy and are likely to be caring and understanding. One of my exs used my past against me in arguments and the other went around telling ppl after I asked him to keep it in confidence. It can do more damage when ppl dont react well or betray your confidence. Therapists are a good choice to tell because they should be non-judgemental and know the right thing to say and can give you advice and care.
Good luck with the healing process. take care

For me it was hard to sleep because I have always gotten nightmares /night terrors but they got worse after the abuse. In order to sleep through the night I need peaceful music on and a night light. In my 8th grade year I was having a lot of problems and I was very self-destructive towards myself, I knew it was time for me to talk or to die, so I begged my mom to take me to a therapist. It was hard to discuss but I needed someone to hear my story. I did feel better that someone was actually listening to me and actually hearing what I was saying. I hope you find the answers that you are looking for, good luck.

First I acted out behavior wise and emotionslly (when I was a teenager), I was actually crying out for help b/c I didn't know how to tell anyone.Because I deal with things inwardly I began to take it out on myself - self destructive.
Eventually when I became comfortable around a woman at church I began to tell her everything and she became a great support system. For me it helps talking to people who care about you, also journaling your feelings, and keeping physically active. S