[tigersassy]

I know this is a touchy subject for some. I'm one of those. My t and my nurse are telling me that I "should" be angry about all the crap that has happened to me. I don't feel it though. I'm sad but angry not really. I haven't felt angry since 3rd grade. I beat a neighbor kid up for stealing my favorite stuffed animal and gutting it then tying it to the door of our apartment and knocking. It was a blind rage type thing. Only I can tell you exactly what physically happened emotionally I was numb. I'm afraid that if I let a little anger in that's going to happen again I just may not be so lucky to not have charges pressed on myself. Does anyone else feel that fear or any survivors not feel that anger towards the abuser(s)? If you do feel anger why? What makes you feel the anger? Not trying to pry I'm just trying to understand all of this.

[shezbut]

In my experience, tigersassy, those words of encouragement never helped me. Everyone was always quick to say how these things that happened were wrong, I wasn't to blame, I shouldn't feel guilty, etc. What I really needed to hear was justification.

While my emotions didn't make cognitive sense to adults, they were still there. I needed others to come out and say, "I'm sorry that you feel so guilty and sad. I think that you're still a decent person though." Simple lines like that ~ justifying my skewed emotions and throwing in just a bit of encouragement. THAT was much more acceptable to me.

I do occasionally get worked up into a bit of anger when thinking about my past, but it's mostly feelings of hurt and loneliness. I suppose that I'm still growing accustomed to no longer hiding my past. Maybe more anger awaits me in the future. I don't know.

[nicoleflynn]

Anger is a positive emotion, it tells you there is something that needs to be "fixed" or paid attention to. yes, I feel anger at the abuse I suffered. Feelings aren't right or wrong they just are.