No I didn’t just misquote “The Donald”. Finding out that your child has been molested will find you strapped into an unplanned adrenaline ride that seems to go on for a very, very, very long time. It starts with the initial rush and possibly a feeling you are going to throw up as well. Police interviews, sexual assault exams, and discussions with social workers will keep the juice flowing. Over a few days or weeks of mainlining adrenaline, you are likely to feel the track is leveling out and you are past the hard stuff.
Then one day you wake up and you just don’t feel right. Maybe you are feeling tired, unmotivated or your brain doesn’t seem to be working correctly. Congratulations – you’re fried! It’s not a formal medical diagnosis but it is the end result of flooding your body with adrenaline that it doesn’t need. A lot of people will reach for the sleeping pills and anti-depressants. What you want is to try and get your brain back on it’s regular regime of chemistry.
Reboot Time
Here are a few ideas to get life back on track:
- Take a walk outside. Treadmills are a second choice if you can’t do outside. Spending time outside is an important distinction if you are able. Interaction with nature, combined with exercise is more helpful than just the exercise itself.
- Think IPod. Any mp3 player will do, but having tried others, I can’t imagine using anything else. Fill it with music you love. Listen often, rinse and repeat.
- Rediscover a hobby. Reawaken that inner Monet or Hemingway that you have been ignoring. Get those creative juices flowing again.
- Take a trip. This isn’t about running away from the situation, this is about rebooting your inner computer to the factory settings. Three to four days is usually long enough to start things on the right path.
So regardless of whether it’s Donald Trump telling you “You’re fired” or your body telling you “You’re fried”, it’s time to take notice of the situation, and take a different direction.
Let us know if we can help you dealing with your family’s sexual abuse situation. For ideas to get started please check out our book on what to do during the early days after disclosure.
