Trigger Warning' if you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse please remember the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-hour Helpline is open 1800 77 8888
In today’s podcast (episode 38) we are joined by Sophia Murphy, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and Leona O Callaghan, founder of Haven Hub and also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
Our conversations centre around how we each found that Covid19 restrictions triggered our childhood trauma. We talk about our increasing struggle to maintain the façade of coping well around friends and family the longer the restrictions were in place, and very importantly, we now realise as a result of our talk that we were getting a glimpse of how we coped as children.
We discuss how the daily and sometimes hourly announcements of the national and global death toll that was churned out on all media platforms completely traumatised everyone but in particular, the most vulnerable and how we see evidence all-around of the fear that has been instilled in particular cohorts of society. The government must be aware this approach is seriously damaging when it comes to the general public’s mental health.
Our elevated anxiety meant we each fell into old thought patterns and behaviours (not always consciously) along with a growing awareness and admiration of the strength it took as children to live in that constant state of fear and anxiety.
We hope these discussions help other victims of abuse and trauma recognise the connection between their abuse and the loss of autonomy through the Covid restrictions. It is important that you look after yourself and know that what you are experiencing is as a direct result of your past trauma.
On a positive note, this is an opportunity to look back and heal old wounds, to forgive and be gentle with yourself now you can see clearly the strength and courage of mind and body you had as a child not only because of the abuse but also keeping it a secret.
Take care
Joyce, June and Paula
Special Episode - Demand for Inquiry into Tusla
Episode 18 - Finding Our Own Way
Episode 17 - The Power of Letting Go!
Episode 16 - Inequality impacts us all!
Episode 15 - Why is it so difficult to put ourselves first?
Episode 14 - Learning from Others
Episode 13 - Please Don't Go it Alone!
Episode 12- Tell Someone!
Episode 11 - Your a Victim Too!
Episode 10- Why She Didn’t Protect Us
Episode 9 - How do you deal with your anger?
Episode 8 - Trust - What is it?
Episode 7 - Child Sexual Abuse and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Episode 6 - Shame & Guilt - It was never mine to begin with!
Episode 5 - Social Anxiety - Everything is Connected
Episode 4 - Victim Mentality - Only You Can Change Your Life
Episode 3 - Dissociation - How we Escaped the Pain of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Episode 2 - Attachment Disorder - Why are Relationships difficult for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Episode 1 - Why do we struggle to talk about sexual abuse?
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