[passingout]

Hi, new to this forum, i'm struggling at the moment. Ive recently been to see a counsellor as a friend noticed i was "depressed" and recommended it. I attended the initial session and felt so stupid, then cancelled the rest of the sessions. My main problems at the minute are feeling low, anger and excess alcohol. As a child i was emotionally/physically abused by a person close to me. As I've grown older I have obviously grown to hate this person. I don't know if this is the cause? I have very low self esteem and i feel pretty low a lot of the time. What should i do? What is this??

[kaliope]

childhood abuse can definitely cause the symptoms you are describing. it has devastated my life. i am slowly picking up the pieces after a massive breakdown because i never got treatment. counseling is rather necessary and best done by a therapist who specializes in trauma. dont feel stupid. it does make you vulnerable to share what is going on. but you need to stick it out if you want to get better.

it may well be the cause. you may also find that you have PTSD as a result of the abuse. I recommend going back to therapy.

[passingout]

Glad to hear you're picking up the pieces. Thanks for the advice!

one day you will learn to forgive and it will set you free. you forgiving the abuser is for freedom of self, the hate you hold onto is only damaging yourself. you will learn all about this, if you go back to therapy. good luck in your journey. it can only go up from here, if you allow it and participate. but if you sulk and do nothing but focus on negativity, your life will reflect it.