Ways to Cope with Past Child Abuse

Surviving the Long-term Effects of Abusive Childhood Relationships

The long-term effects of child abuse don't disappear when the sexual, physical, or emotional abuse is over. Adult survivors of abusive childhood relationships use more health care services and may be more likely to struggle with depression, migraines, and smoking habits.

“What's remarkable is that women with an average age in their late 40s still suffer from consequences of abuse that occurred decades ago,” says Dr Amy Bonomi from Ohio State University.

The Financial Costs of Past Child Abuse

The long-term effects of abusive childhood relationships go beyond mental, emotional, and physical stress. Women who were sexually abused spent an average of $382 more than women with no history of abuse. Women who were physically abused spent $502 more than women who weren't abused.

Women who were both physically and sexually abused spent $790 more every year than women with no history of abuse.

The Emotional & Physical Costs of Past Child Abuse

The long-term effects of abusive childhood relationships include depression. Women with a history of abuse reported more physical problems and higher rates of obesity.

Adult survivors of abusive childhood relationships did not report higher incidences of heart disease, asthma, or diabetes.

5 Ways to Cope with Past Child Abuse

Adult survivors of child abuse may never forget what happened to them, but they can live healthy, powerful lives.

1. Talk about it. Whether counseling is an option or not, talking about it with support groups, close friends, and loved ones can help ease the pain. The long-term effects of child abuse can be alleviated by admitting feelings, memories, and hopes for the future.
   
   
2. Recognize unhealthy coping strategies. Overeating, shopping, drinking, drugs, unhealthy relationships, and fear of intimacy are unhealthy coping strategies. They may provide distraction from painful memories in the short-term, but they create problems in the long run.
   
   
3. Tell the doctor. Treating migraines or depression may be treated differently if the doctor is aware of past child abuse. Don't let him or her shrug off the possible long-term effects of abusive childhood relationships: doctors aren't always up on the latest research or psychological approaches to health care.
   
   
4. Read books and articles about child abuse. The more information you have about abusive childhood relationships, the better equipped you'll be to survive the long-term effects. And, consider guided imagery or alternative therapies that can help you cope with past child abuse.
   
   
5. Learn to live for today. At some point, letting go of the past is a healthy strategy. "Living well is the best revenge," said George Herbert. Focus on healthy adult relationships, figuring out who you are, and achieving your goals. Set aside the past and look ahead, to the future.