[xp1155]

It's been 15 years since the sexual abuse stopped. It happened (sometimes daily) from about 8-15. It was so bad that my boyfriend raping me in college seemed like nothing. Most days are fine; but, every once in a while, I still feel it. I have a nightmare or I hear a song that was on while being abused... I see something that reminds me...

Does it ever fully go away?

[Omers]

don't know about fully but it does get a heck of a lot better... Hang in there!!!!!!

[Bluelake]

I sincerely empathize. I am going through the same thing and have the same questions. Sorry I dont have an answer, but there is someone else out there who knows what you are going through.
I wish you the best.

[Butterflies Are Free]

No, I don't think it ever completely goes away, but it does get better as time passes and as you work through the trauma.

[SoupDragon]

I guess none of us can erase memories, but we can process the thoughts and feelings and get to a place where we know these things are just memories, they are not happening now and we can feel safe.

Some things just change you forever. As you grow older, the trauma becomes more like a page in the book of your life-- one that you don't have to focus on, or one that you have to avoid. But it's always there, and it's really okay. With time, I've learned that some of the best parts of myself developed from recovering from the trauma. I wouldn't be who I am, and most days I'm pretty happy with me, if I hadn't gone through what I did.

Anne