I've read a few stories here. Just wanted to add.
My abuse wasnt physical or sexual. Mine was emotional. My mother was always "sick" or dying. I would cry myself to sleep every night praying that she wouldnt die. No happy cookie baking mom for me. Just a hypochondriac woman who never once tucked me in or hugged me or kissed me. No bedtime stories or giggles. I was the 5 year old but I was the mother forced to care for her. It was sad and embarrasing as i grew older i never brought my friends home. But then all of a sudden she would be fine. Would leave and go dancing or shopping or whatever only to start the same cycle over and over again. Now i am forced to care for her and shes still dying, complaining, manipulating. Emotional abuse comes in many ways. It leaves me sad and drained. And she never admits to anything. Please let me know if you have had this type of abuse as a child.
