heather

by heather
(england)

Don't bottle up your feelings. Get help even if you feel okay as in my case: I left it 2 years ago and it's hit me ten times harder than at the time. I've had a lot of anger problems, mood swings, and even hit my new partner. I am getting the help now but wish I did 2 years ago.

Comment from Moderator:
Thanks Heather for those wise words and yes, I agree with you completely, it is always best to seek help as soon as we are out of an abusive situation, if not before leaving, as otherwise the whole thing can just come back to haunt us, as you mention, with anger problems, mood swings,and even lashing out at others. Once we have the opportunity to work though the issues brought up by the abuse, then we can be free to enter another relationship which will hopefully not be tainted with the distrust and upset still left over from the previous one.
Possible sources of gaining help are local support groups run by women's centers, outreach workers from Refuge, the Freedom Programme, but if we don't feel able to physically attend groups, then the online support forums can also help a great deal.
Am glad you are getting the help you need now, and all the best for your future :)