I was abused too and I'm trying my best to not let this affect anyone else. For me I think the psychological abuse had a more lasting effect than the physical abuse. But sometimes I think it's the other way around. Tbh I don't know, but certain memories are burned into my mind. I tend to remember every detail of the events so it's hard.

For those who have unfortunately been in this situation how have you coped

Unsuccessful. I couldn't cope and that's all I know. But the one thing that helped was my dad's support. I unloaded all of my burdens on to his shoulders unknowingly, may Allah forgive me. I still go to my therapist but I realized something. A lot of people told me to get professional help and I did Alhamdulillah. Multiple different people in the field. It has been tremendously effective in managing my anxiety and depression. But what really helped me outside of that was sharing my pain with my dad. Nothing else had a more positive impact on me than my dad's sacrifice. And even after all that he hasn't changed. He's still the same supportive dad I love. It's like nothing ever happened.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, none of my therapists had a heart for me, if that makes sense. What I needed was someone who would let their heart be involved in the matter.

Therapists will look at your case, draw from their knowledge and life experience, creatively apply those and try to solve your problem. But little do they know, Allah has meant for me to dwell in this painful situation for a longer time rather than simply focusing on solving the problem. And that's where my dad comes in. My dad doesn't focus on solving my problem. He's just always there when I need him. Can you imagine how beautiful that is? May Allah reward him with the best in His store for easing my pain. And thanks to him I realized the significance of Surah al-Kawthar. Sacrifice is one of the most important aspects of life. Sacrifice is inevitable if you know what's good for you and your loved ones.

You must be wondering where I'm getting with this. In short, it's my turn to excel in sacrifice because what I've been doing is not enough. If I have to consistently put myself through something difficult for someone else's benefit, so be it. Surely Allah has given me the ability to do so. I don't know how else to show gratitude and I encourage you to do the same.

I pray that you have someone like my dad in your life to comfort you.