ABOUT ABUSE

&

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, the act of neglect or a combination of any of these. While the experience of childhood trauma and abuse does not guarantee a person will have difficulties later in life, research has shown that it does increase the likelihood of:

Survivors of abuse may also have problems in relationships due to difficulty trusting others or in developing intimacy. It can also affect their belief system and the way they view themselves, other and the future. These feelings can affect every thought, feeling and action. While we cannot change our past, we don’t need to be defined by it, be limited by it or live in pain. Although it may not be an easy road to go down, the process of healing and recovery is worthwhile.

Self-harming behaviours and/or suicidal thoughts

Social withdrawal, shyness, lack of self-confidence

Issues with anger management

Anxieties and fears

Depression and hopelessness

Guilt and shame

Alcohol and drug misuse

Eating disorders

What is Low Self- Esteem?

Have you ever been dissatisfied or unhappy with yourself on the whole?

Do you ever think that you are weak, stupid, not good enough, flawed in some way, inferior to other people, useless, unattractive, unlovable or a failure?

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Everyone uses these words on themselves at times, usually when they experience a challenging or stressful situation. However, if you often think of yourself in these terms, then you might have a problem with low self-esteem.

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Low self-esteem can have an effect on various aspects of a person. A person with low self- esteem probably says a lot of negative things about themselves. They might criticize themselves, their actions, and abilities or joke about themselves in a negative way. They might put themselves down, doubt themselves or blame themselves when things go wrong.

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Often, they might not recognize their positive qualities or brush away compliments they are given. They may focus on mistakes they have made or things that they could have done better.

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Low self- esteem can also have an impact on a person’s performance at work or at school and so it is important to get some help to overcome these feelings.