There are many ways that we can re-build self-esteem after sexual abuse however in many cases; people cannot imagine life before the damage. As far back as they can remember, there was abuse. Your earliest memories involve violence, and there might not be any positive memories to refer to before hurt started.
There are also other cultural factors that can hamper an individuals inability to notice and celebrate their good qualities. Sometimes, culture whether its family, religious, or place of our birth teaches us that humility means neglecting to highlight the good and focus on what needs improving. Forced humility can be especially harmful when one experience sexual abuse. This form of abuse naturally teaches you to have an inferiority complex.
Unlearning this type of miss education will take time and effort. Healing will require persistent effort in every area.
Here are three things that will help to build your self-esteem after sexual abuse:
1. Rewire the brain after abuse
Droning out the view that has taken over your thoughts for so many years can prove challenging but will be influential in leading you to build new neuropathways. Rewiring comes about by learning how to seek out and agree with the truth about you. Identifying what is right can take time and effort but don’t give up. Make it a lifelong project. It is worth the effort.
2. Surround yourself with positive people
a. Be intentional with friendships. There are negative people everywhere, and some are especially attracted to a negative mindset. These individuals want somewhere to perpetuate the pain in their own lives. In this atmosphere toxic relationships hamper your progress and delays healing, be vigilant.
b. The brain can change; we can create new pathways by focusing on what is positive and accurate.
c. Repetition deepens impression – tell yourself the truth often, make it a habit.
3. New Experiences
Seek new experiences that will help to promote a positive mindset and give you experiences that you can use in the future to help you through difficult times. You will be able to draw from these new experiences when you are dealing with triggers.