I am so sorry that you have had to experience that. It makes me so sad and angry that this happens to people. To see the detrimental impact it has on the victim (survivor) as well as the family. I wouldn’t wish it in my worst enemy.
I’ve tried to teach her so many other “healthy” methods of coping with what happened to her. However, I just don’t think she’s there yet. I wish that she could be more open minded that there are so many other ways of helping that aren’t detrimental to her health. I think with age, she will recognize that, and be more apt to try them. I will never stop giving her other options on ways she can cope, and I just hope that one day soon she will allow herself to try safer techniques.
I’ve been reading many books written by a well known Psychiatrist and Physician - Bessel Van Der Kolk and Gabor Maté. I highlight everything in them that I think my daughter will find beneficial and I hope that she takes the time soon to go through them, because what they say really opens your eyes to what trauma victims go through, how it affects their brains, and different ways of coping with their pain.
Thank you for sharing a little of your story with me and what has helped you.
Lots of love to you 🤍