Bulletin Board Post

Abuse

Don't Know Who To Turn To

<div class="ExternalClass356A063E4DC44F5BB09D31A1CAD32220">I'm not sure if I'm getting abused by my parents. I've been through quite of a roller coaster in the last year going through treatment at a mental hospital (self harm, anxiety, OCD, etc.) My parents have sworn at me and my dad told me that he wished I'd fall off a tree. When I was in third grade, my dad had gotten mad at me for yelling on our driveway, so he brought me inside and began beating me with a belt in my underwear. I had bruises around my crotch area and thighs. My mom had interfered and finally made my dad stop. My dad has also acted like he was going to abandon me in a park/highway. I knew that he wasn't serious, but I was 8 or 9 or 10 at the time. I feel alone. I honestly feel like my life is a lie. I've tried to tell my therapist/ other medical professionals that I was being abused. The therapist that I had before switching to another one has recently died of a heart attack. It's crazy to think that he is looking down and probably thinking that he should have believed me. I've told my therapist when I was in a mental hospital and she did believe me and told me that that was abuse. My parents told me that I am not abused, though. I am so confused and do not know who to turn to. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassCBF9DE0A25F041F78007E6F1D12C678A"><div><div class="ExternalClass356A063E4DC44F5BB09D31A1CAD32220">We are so glad that you are reaching out and trying to get help with the situation at your home. The situation with your parents sounds very intense. It is good that you turned to your mental health practitioner at the hospital for support. You mentioned having a therapist in the past but you were not clear if you are receiving ongoing treatment with a new therapist. Getting support for your mental health conditions and family situation is so important for you and we are proud of you for speaking out about your home situation so you and your family can get the help that you need. If at any time you feel that you would like to make a report about the things happening at your home you can talk directly to Child Protective Services Agent through your state hotline. This agent can help you determine if this is abuse and help you make a report. If you need help finding this number please give us a call, we can help you find out who to talk to. Here is the bottom line: you deserve to have support for the things that you are dealing with and you deserve to feel safe in your own home. If at anytime you feel in danger and are not safe, call 911. It is good that you were working with medical and mental health professionals for your OCD, anxiety and self-harm and we hope that you are continuing to receive ongoing care. We will be here for you if you would like to talk. Sara, Counselor </div></div> </div>

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