Returning to the Child Abuse Program 11 years later 🌼

What a gift to be blessed with the opportunity for weekly therapy sessions guided by an expert in trauma, particularly with a specialized focus on child abuse in adolescents. My daughter will be turning 15 in just a few short months, and it feels both surreal and overwhelming to think about. It’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that we are returning to this space, as the symptoms of her trauma have become increasingly difficult to bear, not just for her, but for me as well. It’s difficult to come to terms with the reality that we are about to walk through those familiar doors once again.

PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is very real and for those who suffer, it’s nothing short of an uphill battle at times. Returning to the program for child abuse, brings a mix of emotions, as it is a space charged with both pain and hope for our family. It is a safe space for victims to share their stories in a supportive space.. Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Program includes a multidisciplinary team to bring healing to children and their families who have been victims of abuse. It is one of 9 Child and Youth Advocacy Centres in Alberta and of forty in Canada, according to https://www.lunacentre.ca/about, (Oct 21, 2024 11:11am).

We first visited the Sheldon Kennedy Child and Youth Advocacy Centre when it was newly opened in 2013 and received support for approximately 2 years. Our daughter was only 3 years old, when she returned home from her biological father’s home stating he had hurt her. She was never the same child again. This time was a blur for me as a suddenly single parent, trying to manage work part time, teaching Kindergarten, weekly therapy appointments and then managing the behaviours that came after her disclosure. Then we were bounced around to different therapists, doctors and specialists. We managed and survived, but we’ve never really been out of crisis for very long.

Fast forward to the last few years since Covid 19 ravaged our worlds, her struggles have become increasingly complex and more severe. This resulted in a seven month hospital stay in the mental health unit that was nothing short of devastating and traumatic for a child survivor of abuse.

As she now moves through adolescence, questions are emerging from the pain, anger and despair. Her nervous system is constantly stressed in fight or flight, never able to relax and let down her guard. She is hypervigilant and extremely aware of a change in someone’s mood and will react in extremely unexpected and at times violent ways. This has pushed her to a state of when her brain flips, she now will shut down in what looks a lot like a seizure or convulsions. These are called many things, but they are under the umbrella of Functional Neurological Disorders (psychogenic non-epileptic seizures) resulting often from prolonged stress or trauma.

Through the years we have supported her truly to the best of our abilities. My new husband since 2015 has been her “dad” and taken the brunt of her anger. For a long time, she would not look at or talk to any male, it’s only more recently in junior high that she has better relationships with male teachers. He is a real man, a real father and I am so grateful for him every single day.

Now, with these psychogenic nonepileptic seizures ranging from 5-30 per day, it doesn’t leave time for much else. Basic chores like laundry, groceries, & exercise often get pushed off for many days due to the constant impending crises.

#goblue “Your voice can change a child’s life.”

October is a month about child abuse awareness and prevention.

October 24th is “go blue” for child abuse. Click on the link here to see how you can help: https://www.lunacentre.ca/goblue

If you need support or you know someone who does, reach out to a professional, tell someone. My inbox is open to messages anytime.