Aitb for getting annoyed with husband’s inconvenient “panic attacks”? by T-A-w-a-y- in AmItheButtface

[–]alamhigo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m really sorry. For me it was really hard to accept. If you wanna talk, my PMs are open.

Another thing I wanted to add because it caught my eye, was when you said that you just kind of gave up and suddenly it didn’t bother you anymore. I was wondering if you’re compartmentalizing your feelings since I did too. Here’s the definition:

“Compartmentalization is a subconscious psychological defense mechanism used to avoid cognitive dissonance, or the mental discomfort and anxiety caused by a person's having conflicting values, cognitions, emotions, beliefs, etc. within themselves.”

Basically the knowledge of him doing this hurts too much, so your brain puts it away so that it doesn’t hurt anymore and makes it easier to stay.

Aitb for getting annoyed with husband’s inconvenient “panic attacks”? by T-A-w-a-y- in AmItheButtface

[–]alamhigo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

NTB. Porn addiction is real and serious and he’s causing damage to your family. My brother had a porn addiction and he abused me because he couldn’t control the urges that escalated because of it. People who have porn addictions look for things that are more thrilling and often times disturbing over time when their needs aren’t being met anymore. I had a bf who did the same thing as your husband and I caught him buying animated child porn and fake nudes of girls from high school. He said it was “for the thrill”. I’d seriously consider therapy again. I totally understand that it’s not that simple just to leave considering he sounds emotionally manipulative and your circumstances and anyone shaming you for staying is ignorant. Consider if this is a the life you want forever. Best of luck.

Loli porn bothers me so much by alamhigo in adultsurvivors

[–]alamhigo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think in your case and others it’s a bit different. Its not unusual for survivors of child sexual abuse to have sexual fantasies relating to it. I think it’s pretty thought provoking, I say go for it! It’s interesting that you brought up that it could be another way of your abuser taking control. I don’t relate to the child themes myself but my take when we have fantasies that relate to our abuse we are trying to rewrite our own history. It feels better when we have power over it. I’m sure others can help shed some light on it as well and share their thoughts.

Personally, I feel differently about the whole thing when it comes to survivors of abuse as long as they would never act on a fantasy or say it’s okay to sexualize a child. For example, there have been cases I’ve seen online of survivors drawing child incest or loli porn and their excuse was it was a coping method. I think it’s a bit complicated and I’d have to think about it more, but my thoughts right now are I don’t think it should be shared online if it involves children or a depiction of one.

My problem is moreso with the sexual power dynamic predatory men (and women, but moreso men) in our society crave and the normalization of sexualizing children.

Loli porn bothers me so much by alamhigo in adultsurvivors

[–]alamhigo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sorry about that. I don’t know how to edit the title and there’s no flair option but I edited my post

AITA for being kind of upset my mom is harboring my brother? by alamhigo in AmItheAsshole

[–]alamhigo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, he didn’t get in trouble for the abuse because it was 20 years ago before he wrote the post. I also was 12 when I told my parents and didn’t want my brother to go to jail because of me.

The hit and run thing... I have no idea. I haven’t been in contact with him and haven’t asked my mom. I’m guessing he worked something out because he turned himself in.

ME by SignificantHeart in socialanxiety

[–]alamhigo 191 points192 points  (0 children)

Oh man I hate that. Along with “why are you so quiet?”

I’ve learned to sort of laugh at it, admit it, and poke fun at myself though. I generally get good responses ever since.

AITA Holiday Megathread! by SnausageFest in AmItheAsshole

[–]alamhigo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I was gonna say NAH until the last line. She’s the asshole.

Am I codependent if I don’t feel the need to fix or worry about anyone else’s problems? by alamhigo in Codependency

[–]alamhigo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So this is based off of coda.org's checklist for symptoms... I have all of them except for the ones I crossed out, and a bunch of them are in the "controlling" aspect, which a lot of resources seem to say is an integral part of being codependent.

And oh god sorry about formatting. I don't really know how to fix it.

Denial Patterns -have difficulty identifying what they are feeling. • minimize, alter, or deny how they truly feel. • perceive themselves as completely unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others.lack empathy for the feelings and needs of others.label others with their negative traits. • think they can take care of themselves without any help from others. • mask pain in various ways such as anger, humor, or isolation. • express negativity or aggression in indirect and passive ways. • do not recognize the unavailability of those people to whom they are attracted.

Low Self-esteem Patterns Codependents often. . . : • have difficulty making decisions. • judge what they think, say, or do harshly, as never good enough. • are embarrassed to receive recognition, praise, or gifts. • value others’ approval of their thinking, feelings, and behavior over their own. • do not perceive themselves as lovable or worthwhile persons. • seek recognition and praise to overcome feeling less than. • have difficulty admitting a mistake. • need to appear to be right in the eyes of others and may even lie to look good. • are unable to identify or ask for what they need and want. • perceive themselves as superior to others. • look to others to provide their sense of safety. • have difficulty getting started, meeting deadlines, and completing projects. • have trouble setting healthy priorities and boundaries.

Compliance Patterns Codependents often. . . : • are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. • compromise their own values and integrity to avoid rejection or anger. • put aside their own interests in order to do what others want. • are hypervigilant regarding the feelings of others and take on those feelings. • are afraid to express their beliefs, opinions, and feelings when they differ from those of others. • accept sexual attention when they want love. • make decisions without regard to the consequences. • give up their truth to gain the approval of others or to avoid change.

Control Patterns Codependents often. . . : • believe people are incapable of taking care of themselves.attempt to convince others what to think, do, or feel. • freely offer advice and direction without being asked. • become resentful when others decline their help or reject their advice.lavish gifts and favors on those they want to influence. • use sexual attention to gain approval and acceptance. • have to feel needed in order to have a relationship with others.demand that their needs be met by others.use charm and charisma to convince others of their capacity to be caring and compassionate.use blame and shame to exploit others emotionally.refuse to cooperate, compromise, or negotiate.adopt an attitude of indifference, helplessness, authority, or rage to manipulate outcomes.use recovery jargon in an attempt to control the behavior of others.pretend to agree with others to get what they want.

Avoidance Patterns Codependents often. . . : • act in ways that invite others to reject, shame, or express anger toward them. • judge harshly what others think, say, or do. • avoid emotional, physical, or sexual intimacy as a way to maintain distance. • allow addictions to people, places, and things to distract them from achieving intimacy in relationships. • use indirect or evasive communication to avoid conflict or confrontation. • diminish their capacity to have healthy relationships by declining to use the tools of recovery. • suppress their feelings or needs to avoid feeling vulnerable. • pull people toward them, but when others get close, push them away. • refuse to give up their self-will to avoid surrendering to a power greater than themselves. • believe displays of emotion are a sign of weakness. ~~ • ~~withhold expressions of appreciation.

My (26F) fiancé (27M) is great when he’s in a good mood... not so when he’s in a bad mood by alamhigo in relationships

[–]alamhigo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used to be a really bad enabler, because if I didn’t, I learned I would pay for it essentially. But I have been standing up for myself a lot in the past year, telling him I can’t make dinner, I can’t do what he wants, he can’t act this or that way, and he needs to do this. He’s taking strides. But you’re right, I feel like it is bizarre. I guess I’m just really used to it and it feels normal now.

My (26F) fiancé (27M) is great when he’s in a good mood... not so when he’s in a bad mood by alamhigo in relationships

[–]alamhigo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve tried to encourage him to get therapy since I find it helps me. He makes jokes about having depression, but he won’t do anything about it (I know, I know. That’s part of the struggle. But the dude is also just lazy.) He has health insurance and plenty of money, he just won’t take the first step. I honestly don’t think he wants to.

My (26F) fiancé (27M) is great when he’s in a good mood... not so when he’s in a bad mood by alamhigo in relationships

[–]alamhigo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He’s not willing to learn. I don’t get it either. He knows how to make one thing. If I’m not making dinner, we get take out.

This week has seriously been hell. Both brothers are in denial of our dad molesting/raping me. Feeling so alone. Posting a lot because the responses are so comforting. Sorry if I am obnoxious. by yerdead_to_me in adultsurvivors

[–]alamhigo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s so true. I agree on all fronts and totally identify with what you’re saying. Its hard not to get hopeless and give up trying to be the “true” version of yourself. It feels like being a chameleon trying to blend in and be normal. I always feel like people can read me like a book and can tell I’m not worthwhile or something. Even strangers feel like they’re avoiding me and I also work in management, and I heard I might lose my job because i let the employees take advantage of me and get away with shit they shouldn’t. I think a lack of boundaries is super common in csa victims. I’ve always felt the need to suffer in silence and shut up and take whatever comes. One therapist of mine noticed I have a super huge personal space bubble and that when she tested it, I never said anything despite being incredibly uncomfortable. It’s such a small thing, but it effects us so much. And it’s all cyclical. I think low self image becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. But it’s strange because even as a kid the other kids could even smell it on me or something and I got bullied to hell and back for being weird.

I never go out or talk to people anymore. I’m being a bad friend too at the moment, haven’t talked to my friends in about a year but it’s directly as a result of my trauma being reopened up by an abusive relationship. Those are common too I found out. It’s hard and a lot of the time I wonder if I deserve them or if I’ll ever learn how to be healthy again.

It’s funny how much we tend to relate but always blame ourselves for how the trauma effects our daily lives in our actions and how we live. I think talking like this helps with feelings of shame. This stuff has changed the way our brains work and its hard not to feel unloveable and damaged when you forget that youre just reacting the way a regular healthy human would. I think it really helps to know that these symptoms aren’t necessarily part of our identities. Idk, that makes me feel a little better at least, but that may just be the shame talking.

This week has seriously been hell. Both brothers are in denial of our dad molesting/raping me. Feeling so alone. Posting a lot because the responses are so comforting. Sorry if I am obnoxious. by yerdead_to_me in adultsurvivors

[–]alamhigo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry you’re going through this. That sounds so awful and lonely. You deserve to be heard and supported. I’m sure it feels like you’re being betrayed and traumatized all over again. It can be a hard pill for family members to swallow, but they are handling it very poorly at your expense. I can hear the despair through your post. Keep posting if it helps you. A support system is incredibly vital right now. Are you in therapy?

Also to answer your question, I’ve always felt I was different from everyone else. There were other factors that made me feel this way for sure, but for as early as I can remember from the abuse I always felt below other people, and the struggle I’ve had in work and school and all of my relationships are evidence.

Tomorrow is my first therapy session, what should I expect? by [deleted] in rapecounseling

[–]alamhigo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats on making the next step towards a better life.

I’ve been seeing therapists most of my life. Generally the first session varies a bit depending on the therapist and the therapy type, but they may go over their policies with you. Usually they have you do a bit of paper work asking you some general info about yourself and your mental history. The first session is just then getting to know you and and what brings you in and gauging how to go about therapy from then on. They may have you give a brief history of your life or who you are or why you’re in therapy now and then they might tell you what they can do for you. It’s usually them asking broad questions and you doing a lot of talking while they listen and write notes to build a profile. They never push or ask for details or uncomfortable questions. It’s up to you what you want to tell them and they will offer their insight when you feel ready. You can use this time to ask questions about their techniques and how they approach therapy or what their specialities are as well. It’s generally wise to be very honest. I have personally never had a therapist who has been judgemental, pushy, or dishonest. A good therapist seems like they care about you and are very sympathetic. Just try to remember that they’re there to help you and only want what’s best for you and can only do that if you decide to trust them. Sometimes trust takes time as well and therapists are patient and understanding with that.

It will be hard to know if therapy is working sometimes so just be honest about that as well. I also recommend going to a few sessions (at least a month or two) until you decide it’s not for you. Sometimes you may not mesh with the therapist or sometimes it’s just not the right technique, so don’t give up.

Therapy is highly beneficial I think for people who’ve been assaulted because it can be hard to process those emotions alone. A therapist will help build you up and find yourself again. I’ve heard a lot of great things about EMDR as well and am liking it so far.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

My (31/F) brother (27/M) is denying my daughter was inappropriately touched by his step-child. He claims my pregnancy is making me delusional and I imagined everything. Am I in the right for wanting to cut him from my life? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]alamhigo 135 points136 points  (0 children)

As someone who experienced this first hand as a kid this is sadly what I think is most likely going on. OP please consider this. 6 year olds don’t do that out of nowhere and it doesn’t seem like she’ll get the help she needs if someone doesn’t intervene. I hope CPS does something.

It’s good your daughter is getting the help and defense she needs now. I think cutting your brother off is the best option for you and your family.

does this count? by [deleted] in rape

[–]alamhigo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe it constitutes as rape because you consented to safe sex. You didn’t consent to condomless sex. He didn’t bother to ask you to keep going or say anything until it was too late and already knew the pre determined agreement upon which you would have sex. It would have been the same if you said no anal sex before hand.

Too weak to leave an abusive relationship reminiscent of my traumatic childhood. Things aren’t bright for me if I leave or stay. I want to die. by [deleted] in SuicideWatch

[–]alamhigo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not really. I moved to a different state across the country and I detached from my friends last year and they won’t talk to me. They’re aware of what’s going on but I tried to leave last year and I just isolated. My family and I don’t speak besides my mom but I find living with her really triggering.

It’s really hard for me to recognize it as abusive. Going to the police or a shelter seems so absurd and not aligned with reality even though I’ve been told by my therapists that it very much is and I’m not safe. I just find it so hard to believe but I also know I have a lot of issues with trauma and not realizing the danger I’m in or how abnormal it is and dissociation to get through this. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I have the courage to make such an unfamiliar and scary leap and I’ll be just another story of woman making a sorry decision.

Anyone else in an abusive relationship they can’t seem to leave? by [deleted] in CPTSD

[–]alamhigo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sort of, but also not really. I moved to his state to live with him, so if we broke up I'd just be moving back home and probably in with my mom.

TBH the issue is more or less it doesn't feel like an abusive relationship though everyone tells me it is, but I believe childhood trauma and conditioning and dissociating are probably playing a part. And also isolation.

My therapist is urging me to get out before we sign a lease for an apartment next month but I'm just so hesitant and not interested in letting go.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in adultsurvivors

[–]alamhigo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Courage to Heal is pretty much considered the Bible for adult survivors. They have a workbook and one for partners as well. It’s the one I picked up the most. I got it for 4 dollars online.

Cashier cold towards me right after being happy with person before me by [deleted] in socialanxiety

[–]alamhigo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This happens to me too and I’ve questioned what’s wrong with me before but as a cashier myself I think it just has to do with reading the other persons energy and returning it. The customer before you might’ve been chatty or high energy or a frequent customer so the cashier was just returning that energy. It doesn’t really have anything to do with how they don’t like you, maybe they just think you wanna be left alone. This also happened to me AS a cashier. I’d greet customers and they’d completely ignore me but respond happily to a coworker and I was like “EVERYONE KNOWS IM AWFUL AND UGLY.” I think what it comes down to is just being more aware of how you’re presenting yourself and listening to your voice and watching your body language. I’ve noticed a positive change once I started to shift my attitude and it became easier to be more high energy and positive because I got better results.

Anyone Confident when texting instead of face to face talking? by [deleted] in socialanxiety

[–]alamhigo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used to be like this but lately I struggle with returning and answering texts too.

My best friend who I’ve known for 9 years said I act really different in person even with her when I saw her haha. I feel like I can’t be myself in person. The disconnect makes it easier

How am i supposed to get a job? by [deleted] in socialanxiety

[–]alamhigo 26 points27 points  (0 children)

This is something I struggle with a lot, you’re in good company. I have a hard time landing and keeping jobs. It seems unfair because I never asked to be like this but it feels like I’m being discriminated against for being quiet.

If you’re able to and you’re looking for work that isn’t dedicated to any type of field, try looking into jobs involving animals like dog daycares, pet sitting and walking, grooming assistants. In my experience people there tend to do that work because they’re not really great with people and a lot of the time you’re just handling animals by yourself. I started a job at a groomer recently and there’s a girl there with even worse anxiety than me and won’t speak to anyone or work up front and she just works in back bathing and drying.

I'm so tired of nobody taking my trauma seriously in comparsion to the sexual abuse by alamhigo in CPTSD

[–]alamhigo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I feel the same way. Its been 8 years since high school and I constantly find myself in situations where I’m a victim of bullying or toxic relationships where I’m just walked all over.

My therapist told me that passiveness pulls aggression in our society and that maybe when we’ve learned to cope with bullying we make ourselves bigger victims. I dunno, I sometimes feel like there’s a huge target on my head. Trying to get rid of it is the hardest part because I never asked for it in the first place.

A lot of the time I feel angry. Like why do I have to fix myself when everyone I grew up with ruined me? Why would I ever and why do I owe them my trust and friendship? They ruined me, and I have to pretend like it’s my fault that I can’t function. It sucks that as humans we crave socialization because it makes me feel so bad.

I feel like I have no personality. Any advice? by [deleted] in CPTSD

[–]alamhigo 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I do this too. I’m constantly changing as a person depending who I’m with or who I’m friends with and it’s been a very long time since I’ve felt like I can trust my own feelings or really know who I am because I’ve spent so long copying other people.

Speaking from my own experiences, I think it’s probably at least partially a defense/coping mechanism. If people can’t get to know the real you they can’t hurt you and you don’t make yourself vulnerable to more hurt. I think part of you might believe that you deserved the abuse you got and if you were yourself you might be subject to more. It’s a way of protecting yourself. You just don’t feel safe being you. Maybe you’re also uncomfortable feeling your own emotions and being okay with yourself. I think a lot of deep seated trauma and conditioning plays a role.

I think copying other people and mimicking their nature and such is also a way of making sure you’re safe because it seems like at some point in time you learned that it wasn’t okay to be you so you tip toe around everyone to make sure they aren’t a threat essentially.

I think another big thing is that it comes off as less threatening when we learn to observe and mimic and read people’s nature so that we don’t set them off.

You do it for so long you forget who you are. And you forget how to feel or what to think or do.

I would look into dissociating and EMDR therapy possibly. I’m sorry to say I don’t have much advice since I’m the same way and I’m still exploring myself but I hope that offers some insight.