Abusive Parents

[Freedomfighter]

I think there may be a need for a group that deals with abusive parents of all ages. I think that is a necessity. Was scarred by abusive dad, think that many of us have to deal with such issues.

What do you guys think?

 

[EveHarrington]

A group on here? Or in person?

:hug:

 

[VioletButterfly]

I believe there is a "childhood" forum out here if that's what you're looking for. There are also online forums for abuse survivors - maybe look at Al Anon (subset - adult children of alcoholics) or adult children of narcissists?

In real-time, you might find support through Al Anon or ACOA, or maybe a CODA group? I found a lot of healing in the rooms at Al Anon. The Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) was too intense for me so I kept to Al Anon. These groups are still relevant if you grew up in a dysfunctional family of any variety. The same messages apply. Real-time groups, however, give you real-time support. It was good to be in community with so many others who could relate to that portion of my journey and how it played out in my life. I didn't share a great deal, but I did listen closely and let the messages permeate my castle walls of defense. I also appreciated just being able to be greeted and hugged. I often return to Al Anon books and slogans for support, and have thought about returning to meetings. "It works if you work it, so work it you're worth it!" A good message. :) VB

 

[Freedomfighter]

I believe there is a "childhood" forum out here if that's what you're looking for. There are a...

Thank you for that reply. It might be helpful to look at those groups. Most of the time I only have enough energy to visit in a group for a little bit and then the memories of abuse stress me out so much that I have to go again. I can only handle a certain amount of abusive memories at a time and then I tend to leave.

 

[VioletButterfly]

I absolutely hear you; you are very wise in knowing your limits. I attended groups with a lot of recovery and found them inspiring, and I went to groups where folks still needed a lot of recovery and felt unsafe (emotionally). I would definitely stay away from the ACOA groups, folks come into those rooms pretty battered and torn. It was heart-breaking and terribly triggering for me when I tried out a couple of those groups. I had to step away from everything for a while. I eventually went back to Al Anon as it is much gentler. Now, I'm flying solo because everyone kind of triggers me - maybe it's self-reflexive? At any rate, I'll leave you with a slogan - "Easy does it." One of my favorites. VB