You're Never Alone

             



One of the most profound things you may be experiencing as a result of your abuse is a feeling of isolation. The feeling that no one really knows the "real you", the fear that if they did, they would not want to know you. The fear that if you did reach out to someone, they would not understand. The shame keeps you from reaching out for help.

I am on a Suicide Prevention Board in our town, and at our last meeting one of the psychologists on our team said something so simple, yet I know is so true. She said that one common thing teenagers experience is the feeling that they are the only ones experiencing whatever they are experiencing. For example, they think that no one else is worrying about the zit on their face, or worrying about making the team , or about what other kids are saying about them. They don't realize that all teenagers are feeling insecure and trying to figure out their place in the world. I have noticed that the same is true as adults. I was talking to someone this week about the same idea. She said , "the more I have realized that I have anxiety and am open about it, the more I realize how many other people are actually experiencing the same thing. " We are not alone in the difficulties of our human experience and you are not alone in having experienced abuse. As you begin to open up with those you feel you can trust you will also discover that there are many around you that infact can relate to your experiences and struggles. It takes great courage to move beyond the shame and the fear. But isolating yourself is one sure way to continue the cycle of shame. As you begin to take small steps in opening yourself up to others -remember that you are not alone and that there is one who knows all of you and loves all of you. President Monson said,

"There will be times you will walk a path strewn with thorns and marked by struggle....There may be times when you feel detached — even isolated —from the Giver of every good gift. You worry that you walk alone. Fear replaces faith...........When you find yourself in such circumstances, I plead with you to remember prayer.”

"God’s children were not placed on this earth to walk alone.....What an amazing source of power, of strength and of comfort is available to each of us. He who knows us better than we know ourselves, He who sees the larger picture and who knows the end from the beginning, has assured us that He will be there for us to provide help if we but ask. "

“Difficult as it may at times be, it is for us, as well, to trust our Heavenly Father to know best how and when and in what manner to provide the help we seek.”  -Ensign Oct 2013