Where or how can I find support from a trauma without telling my dad about it

Question

How can I find support or advice for dealing with a trauma from emotional and verbal abuse? I don't necessarily want to tell my dad any of it I feel like it wouldn't help but I want to find advice for coping with traumas. I was on a trip in Spain for a year and my caregiver did all kinds of crazy things. She threatened to kill me & that if I did X she would get me even if I was back in the U.S., she would yell in my face, I was so scared the last two weeks of my trip I would walk around with my whole body trembling. Now I am in the U.S. and I am safe, she can't touch me but the thought of it makes me constantly burst out in tears and feel unsafe. I have a hard time sleeping and get lots of nightmares.

Answer 1

You need to either talk to a school counseller to deal with the emotional strain it has left you with or get in touch with someone from the program you did the exchange with and see if they offer any counselling.

Most importantly though, you really do need to talk to your dad- what if this mad woman is doing the same thing to other exchange students?

You never know, if her child was staying with your dad during the time you were over there the child may very well have opened up to your dad about her or he may have gotten an inkling something wasnt right.

He wont be angry with you- if hes angry at all it will be with the woman who did this to you and the exchange program for not looking into things thoroughly.

Answer 2

Hun you really needa let your dad know. He won't be mad at you, it's not your fault this crazy *** ***** went ape **** on you when you were supposed to be having a good time. You really need to let your dad know ,she's clearly not mentally well.  

Answer 3

Firstly she needs reporting.Your dad may help if you tell him.Go to the school councillor for advice.

Answer 4

YOU POOR DOLL!PEOPLE LIKE HER SHOULD BE PUNISHED.U NEGLECTED TO SAY HOW OLD YOU WERE,BUT ASSUMING YOU DONT WANT DAD TO KNOW,YOUR YOUNG.GO TO YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR.THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR HUN.IT WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.IF U R ALREADY OUT OF SCHOOL,GO TO YOUR LOCAL YMCA AND ASK IF THEY HAVE COUNSELORS THERE.GOOD LUCK.I STILL THINK THAT EVIL PERSON SHOULD BE PUNISHED!

Answer 5

Who was in charge of you while you were there, was it a program?  They should be notified, so this person will not be a caregiver again...

You need to talk to your parent to find the right channels so this won't happen to someone else!  Then you can get the help you need.