Dear SimonSays1,

I don't know the exact details of what you've gone thru and how you're holding up....but I completely disagree with your therapist that you'd have struggles for the rest of your life. If you are not happy with this therapist - do look out for another.

If you tackle all problems and give them time to heal, anyone can have a normal life. Therapy and improving life is about 1. Understanding your problems and 2. Working on problems you can improve and 3. Accepting problems you cannot improve.

I think you have already tackled 1. You are working on 2 and yes, you should completely accept who you are. Anger at your perpetrator is a very important part of healing - for they robbed you off your childhood.

You asked "Sometimes I wonder who would want to be around someone like myself?"......well you have a girlfriend who's with you right now and if she's not happy to be with you, she would have left you long time ago.

You don't hurt people, you respect them, and are leading a healthy life by exercising and eating right.....you live positive.......believe me, if we take away your mental pains caused by your mom.........your life looks pretty amazing to me.

Those pains are temporary and feeling that pain is part of the journey towards healing. I used to cry till my nose blocked and head hurt....then I used to cry till my nose blocked.....then just cry........now I don't cry.

Hang in there buddy. This is a rough part of your journey in every abused person's life....but there's always a rainbow that come out after the storm.