I saw this comment hit the blog this evening, and have since sent an email response, but I wanted to share my thoughts with others, and perhaps get a discussion going around the topic. Here’s what Amie wrote earlier:
No victim of child abuse will EVER live a happy life. Somewhere deep down inside, they will always be depressed. They’ll just appear to be happy to everyone else.
Here is the email I have sent to her.
Amie,
I’m truly sorry that you feel this way. I realize that in the midst of dealing with depression it can seem like there is no hope of anything ever getting better, or that you will ever feel joy in your life again. I also happen to know for a fact that it can get better, and you can find joy in your life.
I feel fairly confident that many other survivors will tell you the same thing that I’m telling you. That I’ve been where you are now. That I’ve known the depths of depression and despair, and though it took many years, and much hard work, I’ve also managed to know joy and happiness. Not that my work is done and that I don’t ever struggle with my own issues tied into depression and surviving abuse from time to time, but I can honestly say that I’m happy with my life. It’s not just a façade for others to see.
I truly, truly hope that you will find happiness in your own life. In the mean time, if nothing else, just continue surviving, because as long as you continue on there is always hope.
Take care, and feel free to write and communicate with another survivor,
Mike