As an emotion shame is suppose to keep us in check from doing ‘stupid’ things. But it also stops people living true and authentic lives through not fault of their own. I was born this way, and I was abused. I didn’t choose this.
I was reading an article about how shame stopped (and stops) abuse being reported by victims in religious organisations. It’s great that this is being reported and highlighted, however, what many people don’t know shame stops many people from reporting and sharing many other things that would help their wellbeing.
As a victim of child sexual abuse in my own family it took until my mid 20s to share this with my parents. The preflcifict predator and abuser had died a few years early – what stopped me. Shame.
Many years later I shared this openly with the wider family. The shame had felt transferred to my own parents, and was obvious in the other victims who had simple never spoken about before I shared the story of my own abuse.
It also took me along time to be open about my LGBT status. Now a proud and out lesbian – what stopped me. Shame.
Family and society makes innocent people have this sense of shame.
Shame is debilitating. It’s a emotion that stops truth in it’s track and enables other people, and society as a whole control you.
As an emotion shame is suppose to keep us in check from doing ‘stupid’ things. But it also stops people living true and authentic lives through not fault of their own. I was born this way, and I was abused. I didn’t choose this.
I see shame as internalised ‘victim blaming’.
The sooner you stop feeling shame, you have freedom and are released from the demons that hold you back.
Links
Shame stops children reporting abuse:
Shame a concealed and dangerous emotion:
