Women's Addiction

kaybee

Active Member
PMOVictory said:
But not having real flesh and blood that you can talk to and just have that companionship can be a bit of a draw back.
If I read between the lines I think this is what you need. This could possibly also be the reason why you started chatting and sexting.
The old age psychological thing that any attention is better than none, even if it is negative attention...

Spot on, PMOVictory. :(  But how do I fix that? Aside from a friend and a very hard to get a hold of counselor, who can I talk to?
 

PMOVictory

Active Member
HI Kaybee

It is a real predicament!
As a Christian yourself you know that you can draw a lot of support from your believe and in a way this can fill a big void.
I have read that every person have a void that only God/Christianity can fill. A lot of people want to fill this void with other stuff but this will never work.
Personally I have experienced that since I've quitted PMO, spending more time with God, the need for other "bas stuff" are less!

However it can only stretch this far!

Another thing that especially a lot of woman struggle with is a low self esteem. They measure it by the significant men in their life, especially those during their earlier years. If you can find self worth in yourself through your believe system, this can help a lot. Especially in the way you choose male friends for yourself. I'm not saying, or hinting that you might have this kind of problem. However this forum also gives the opportunity to others to read threads that might help them in what they are looking for.

I'll pray for you and your challenges, and that things will work out for the best.

Just stay strong and receive the Blessings!
 

CrateDane

Active Member
I wonder Kaybee, are there any support groups in your area for addicts or rape victims or heck even depression because I do get a bit of a vibe in that direction.
When I was dealing with my depression I found it  A LOT more helpful to talk to others that had been there than talking to good friends/family or even psychatrists/psychologists.
There is just something special about other people who can actually relate.
I'm not religious so I can't say whether that is enough for you but for me talking to other people who were suffering the same as me made a huge difference.
 

kaybee

Active Member
Perhaps I've been a bit too whiny on here. I'm not depressed. I'm just going through a very rough time.
My addiction is holding steady. I accidentally saw a pornographic image while I was on my phone yesterday, and I didn't dwell on it. I just clicked it away and moved on.
I saw my counselor for the first time in a month yesterday, for like 20 minutes, and I don't have an appointment with him for another month. So I'm starting to realize that that's not really working out. Maybe you're right and I should find a support group or something, but I feel like because there's so many different things coming at me, no one support group is going to be the right fit. I'll look into it though. I'll try anything to feel better again.
I'm going to try to keep these posts more upbeat.
 

kaybee

Active Member
Thank you for your advice, guys. :)
I called my city's Sexual Assault Centre and asked about support groups. I'm going to a meeting on Wednesday, and they've set me up with additional FREE counselling as well. I'm pretty excited to be able to talk about it with people who know the feeling. The group is actually for childhood survivors of assault or abuse, but the woman I talked to said that other people with recent trauma go sometimes too.
 

CrateDane

Active Member
Sounds really good Kaybee, I really hope they can help you as much as my support group helped me. Takes guts just to call a centre and ask about a support group. Power to you!
 

kaybee

Active Member
I went to the counselling and the support group. The counselling was great! I really like the woman I was talking to, she understands what I'm feeling and she doesn't let me off the hook when I try and brush past something. I had a good cry. We're meeting again after New Year's.  The support group I feel has the potential to be good. It was their Christmas party when I went, so it wasn't like their normal meetings. We just went around in a circle real quick so I could meet everyone and some people talked about what was stressing them out lately, then there was snacks and crafts. Everyone is really nice and 'supportive' which is great. (I actually got a present from them, which I have mixed feelings about. I guess people in the community donated Christmas gifts and I got a beautiful, soft blanket, some soap, and some chocolates. But.... I'm well off? Should I be taking charity? I accepted it because I was really touched and I felt it would be rude not to, but I feel kind of bad. ) There's another informal meeting on Tuesday that I'm going to.
I found out that my rapist is most likely leaving the country within a week. I feel terrible. I feel like he's getting away with what he did to me, and I'm running out of time to do something. C told me, and he thought I would be really happy, but I am so, so angry that he gets to leave without anyone knowing what he did.
I've been slipping up a lot lately. I've been purposefully allowing popups to come up that I know have like a 50% chance of being scantily clad women, then looking at them longer than necessary when they do. It's not P. But I wish it was. I also have been playing the game I mentioned a few posts ago. It's not P but it's close enough. I'm sliding into apathy again, which was the thing that lead me into relapsing the last time. I've also been sexualizing myself a lot lately. I have honestly been obsessed with finding what is pretty much a dress a stripper would wear. I have nowhere to wear that kind of dress, but I really want one. I don't know why. I don't know where I got the idea. I'm not letting myself buy one, but the fact that the thought keeps coming into my mind is driving me crazy. I don't like myself when I'm over sexualizing myself, I feel insecure and worthless and I let myself do things I regret. I know that these feelings are coming back because I've let myself slip. The number one thing I can do to stop this is to stop myself from playing that game. I think it's time to install a K9 blocker. I didn't want to before, because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this alone. But it's been 150 days!!! I think it's pretty obvious I CAN do this, but I don't have to make it any harder than it already is.
(Wow 150 days! I hadn't realized!)
 

CrateDane

Active Member
I think you have to ask yourself, what is it you want to "do" to your rapist ?
Tell it to the police ? Tell his friends ? or what ?
Either do something about it now or let it go (as harsh as that sounds), if you let this fester for years it could do some serious harm and it would be very hard to actually do something about a year or more down the line.

Its good you went to the counselor and support group and it sounds like a good place for you to be, if you feel bad accepting the gift, is there a charity or something you could donate it to ?
Stay strong and dont make yourself into something you're not.
 

Rockit

Active Member
It sounds like you have met quite a few sweethearts at the support group.  Don't feel bad about taking the presents.  If anything, just know that there are people there who care about you.

And hey, have you considered donating something similar so you can help someone else who might be in a similar situation?  You were really touched.  Maybe you can touch someone else going through a rough time.

And I'd say, stop sexualizing yourself.  You seem like someone with a great personality.  Focus on that.  :)

P.S. I'm jealous that you can go the support group.  It's not something I can do in my area.  I hope it works out!
 

kaybee

Active Member
I found out just in time that today is my very last day to report my sexual assault. Because our courts will be closed over Christmas, and because the rapist is flying back to Denmark (forever) in less than a week, I have roughly 5 hours to act if I want to do anything.
I thought I had decided not to press charges, but now that the opportunity is going to be gone forever, I'm having second thoughts and I need to face this problem seriously. I'm terrified I will make the wrong decision.
 

ntg2978

Active Member
Hey Kaybee,

I have to say that I started reading your journal just a day ago, so I'm not even up to speed on how exactly the sexual assault happened or the details or anything.  I just would like to say a few things though anyway, as I've been through being molested myself, and maybe I can be of some help hopefully.

First, I want to say that I really appreciate you posting on here, because for most of my life, I've had this delusion that women are better than me, like they don't deal with these kinds of issues (ie: PMO addictions).  I know a lot of this stems from my early life as a kid, as my mother unknowingly taught me to think of girls as strange - so I just wanted to say that reading your journal has really helped me to get a handle on what reality really looks like, and so I'm really thankful for you writing here :)

Now, as to the sexual assault.  I was molested when I was around 12 yrs old, and the situation was that the guy who did it to me was about 4 yrs older, and his dad was a cop on the police force, believe it or not.  I was so ashamed and embarrassed it had happened, and felt like it was my fault (even though I was sleeping and woke up to the act) - but I still felt I should have stopped it, I should have known better, etc.  What my therapist said when I told him that (a few yrs ago now) was that, no, you should have had a dad who could have protected you (no such luck in my case, as I don't know mine - but I digress); it was a way of opening my eyes to see that I was a victim, not an accomplice in the act.  Same is true of you; I'm sure you're having lots of thoughts about how much you were to blame for it, if you did anything to provoke it, etc.  And I want to just reassure you that this is totally normal and totally bullshit, because what should have happened is that this guy should never have hurt you. period.

So, when thinking about whether or not to press charges; I never did against the guy who molested me, and it has haunted me a little bit.  I always wonder to myself, "did he hurt anyone else that I could have prevented it happening to?"  I was so young at the time, I was not able to cope with all these decisions, so I don't blame myself at all.  I do believe though, that pressing charges could give you some closure and even prevent him from hurting others in the future.  Just recognize that if you're feeling embarrassed or like it's partly your fault, it's totally normal, but unequivocally false.

If I can help you at all in this time, please let me, I am really sympathizing with you right now, and will help in whatever way I can.
 

kaybee

Active Member
Well here I am, starting over again. 5 days 'sober'. I'm not 100% certain, but I think Christmas Eve was the start of my relapse binge.

I decided to press charges against my rapist through my University instead of through the police. They have the power to expel him, even though he's gone now, and that would be indicated on his transcripts for any college he decides to go to in Denmark. They also have the power to ban him from the campus in my city, which would guarantee him never coming back.
My University has been very supportive of me, and the Dean even helped my by rearranging my practicum dates so that I can go to a support group every Wednesday.

I guess it was the stress that sent me back to porn. Oddly enough, I think it was also a form of celebrating. I was feeling really good about my decision to act through the University, and that was just a day before my relapse. I wasn't going to count my relapse initially, and was just going to admit to it on here without resetting my counter. Unfortunately, as the days went by it kept getting worse and worse with me spending more time on the computer, and even my phone, looking at porn. I ended up doing the worst possible thing I could ever do, and I went to chat roulette. That was were I started before I got into more serious sex cams, and I know that going back there was basically me giving up on myself. I went there 3 times, and had cyber sex with around 10 men in one week. If that's not a full blown cry for help, I don't know what is. I'm happy to say that I did not become suicidal this time, which means everything to me. I am of course worried about having been recorded; I've been worried for the past 3 years and now I'm worried again. I feel kind of pathetic about having gone back to the cams. When I started the first time, I became enticed into that world because I had been rejected by a guy I'd really liked, and when I went on there I was constantly told how beautiful and sexy I was. I was in such a bad place, and so used to watching women abuse themselves that I let myself be coerced into it. This time I should have been so much stronger. I should have told myself all the great and valid reasons why I don't need their validation. Instead I ignored all the amazing changes I've made in my life, and everything I've learned through my reboot and just threw it away for some compliments. I hate that.

I'm just as dedicated to cut porn out of my life as I was 1 month ago, and I'm honestly baffled as to how I let myself get so out of hand.
 

Gracie

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Good to see you back!  I will be sending you a PM tomorrow night  (Thursday).  Do not have time today to do that.  Welcome and good job on standing up for yourself and finding your voice!  That is very important.  Will write more later.

Gracie
 

chiefmitch88

Active Member
Kaybee,

Firstly, I'd also like to send my sincerest support in your decision to seek justice. Now that you've started this process you will be able to close the door on it at some point in the future.

Secondly. Don't beat yourself up over the relapse. I am my worst critic and if I allow myself to feel shame/guilt/sub-human it will ultimately lead to another relapse for me. I will dwell on my brokenness and self-pity until I find an escape. My obsessive thought patterns turned out to be something I needed to address along with my addiction. Take it as a learning experience and move on. You have been through some terribly rough times and, quite frankly, I am amazed at how many days you were able to stack up before your slip. You have tremendous resolve! Not to mention the fact that the holidays are a consistently difficult time for people. Shorter days, less sun, seasonal affective disorder, over-eating, drinking merrily, spending money, receiving gifts, difficult family interactions, illness, resolutions, more drinking. It is a perfect storm for me and I have come to realize that I have to be hyper-vigilant during the months of Nov, Dec, & Jan. Add to that the fact that you sought justice for your attacker and it's not a huge surprise that you stumbled. Granted, there is never a good excuse to use but don't be too hard on yourself. It's progress, not perfection.

Life is a dance and we all stumble at times. That does not mean you can't dust yourself off and finish with grace. We must learn to love/accept ourselves first and foremost in this recovery process. Compliments from objectifying men are all empty. Unfortunately, we live in a society of highly conditioned objectifiers. They find you sexy, sure, but that is not the same thing as love. But I'm sure you know all this already.

George Collins has a mantra I repeat to myself often whenever I feel an urge. "You can't get enough of what doesn't satisfy you." You are enough just the way you are Kaybee and you deserve real love just the way you are. Your flaws will not prevent someone from loving you because everyone on this planet has flaws. Take heart in the knowledge that you are facing your demons and that takes more courage than most people can muster.
 

nomox3

Member
Hey, just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you! I've read part of your story, and then realized you have 7 pages lol. But you are still here, and God is still here too.

I haven't read anything past page one, but I will be reading more soon.

Just know that I'm paying for you, and if you would like, I can put you down for prayer at my church? Just let me know. It took 3 churches praying for me for years before I came to Christ lol. But I'm thank full that they were praying!

I'm a youth minister with a PMO problem, so if you need to talk let me know.
 

kaybee

Active Member
I'm back.... once again with my tail between my legs.
My heart isn't in this like it used to be. I'm using all my energy to focus on healing myself from the assault, and I'm letting my resolve slip on this. That's not what I want. I know that this addiction is just as important to be fighting in my efforts to feel whole again, but I just can't seem to give a damn. But I can proudly report that I haven't been back on the chat sites! I have been very tempted, but every time I think of it I just put my laptop under my bed and pull out a book. I'm still angry at myself for going back, but I'm not surprised and I know why I did. I just need to keep reminding myself that I am valuable for more than my body. Porn definitely doesn't help me remember that.

I had a little bit of a breakdown at my support group on Wednesday. (I really love my group - thank you so much to everyone who suggested I go!!! It's become my favorite part of the week.)  I was crying because I am so, so, so angry with God, and angry with my attacker for making me angry with God when I had been in such a good place. I'm furious that God brought me through 8 years of healing after the boy who hurt me in high school, and was helping me recover from porn addiction, and then WHAM! Back at square one. It's not fair, and life's not fair, and I'm angry.
I also told my group members about how I confronted my rapist and made him cry, and put up posters around campus calling him out.... I actually got cheering and applause. That felt REALLY good. It's hard for me to realize how many opportunities I've had that other women don't have when it comes to seeking justice and confronting their attackers. They called me a Badass Powerful Warrior Woman! That's my new name for myself. :)

Chiefmitch, I really need to keep your words in mind. C and my counselor tell me this all the time, but it's so hard to tell myself. Thank you for reminding me.
chiefmitch88 said:
Your flaws will not prevent someone from loving you because everyone on this planet has flaws. Take heart in the knowledge that you are facing your demons and that takes more courage than most people can muster.

I'm going to try to make a point of coming on here more often. I know that I fight the addiction best when I have a community of supporters, and I need to make that a priority as well.
Gracie... You never messaged me! :(
 

Gracie

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
I stand chagrined and message has been sent!  I am so sorry!  Good to see you back!
 

Nessie

New Member
Good to see you back Kaybee! We were missing your valuable posts!

Kaybee said:
But I can proudly report that I haven't been back on the chat sites! I have been very tempted, but every time I think of it I just put my laptop under my bed and pull out a book. I'm still angry at myself for going back, but I'm not surprised and I know why I did. I just need to keep reminding myself that I am valuable for more than my body. Porn definitely doesn't help me remember that.

For me this is the most important thing Kaybee. Sometimes a lot of things simply don't go as we would like. But it's in those moments that we need a stable ground to stand up again. This is your stable ground: you are worth more and deserve much more that this!

Try to never go back to chat sites again. I know you can do it.

I will pray for you Kaybee! :)
 
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