I told someone about my secret.

[Backflipboy]

A few days ago, I told somebody for the first time about the sexual abuse I received when I was fourteen and fifteen. I know he won't tell anybody for the world, and I trust him with absolutely anything - but because I came clean about it I can't stop thinking about it.

The second time happened well over a year ago now, but I still think about it every day. How can I stop thinking about it, I feel like it's eating me up inside. I feel guilty for not telling someone and stopping it from happening to somebody else.

How do I get it off my mind?

[Lost in the Echo]

Well, continuing talking to your friend about it could help, if not then see a counselor.

[Listed MIA]

Hey, I'm sorry about what happened to you. Glad you managed to tell someone though. I found I have thought about it a lot more since I told people. I think thats probably normal?

You shouldn't feel guilty about not telling someone. The person who did it is responsible for whatever they do to anyone else, not you. I know how you feel though. I absolutely hate people asking me why i didn't tell anyone or saying i should have done something sooner. Its just not as easy as it sounds. I have been through the whole police process (twice now) so if you have any questions about it maybe i can help.

Stopping thinking about it, i don't know, haven't figured it out yet. I've been in counselling and it didn't help much because i could never talk about it. I recently started writing some stuff down about it. My dad sent me this link the other day: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/overcoming-child-abuse/201209/how-and-why-writing-heals-wounds-child-abuse which basically says that writing about it helps. I think it has helped a bit. Quite a lot actually. Maybe its something you could try? Feel free to pm me if you like.

[chiliguy]

Those who abuse have no right to live, for me. Tom, you should visit a professional. Tell him what happened and that you cannot stop thinking about it. He will help you! And, friend, it's completely normal... I mean not being able to get it off your mind. Just try to recall some great memories of yours and drown that feeling in them as much as you can...

[Caver]

I think the only way you can get it off your chest properly is telling someone and for them to take action; no one should put up with being locked up with a secret abuse in themselves.

[Stronk Serb]

Let it out, I had no one who I trusted when I was a kid (I did not see my parents knowing that would be good) so I talked to my teddy bear, and when I got a pet cat I was talking to her. Do not keep it in yourslef, cry it out even, it is good in situations like this.