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ClassAct7 asked in HealthMental Health · 1 decade ago

Looking for advice after verbally abusive past?

I'm 17 years old and have had a verbally abusive past. My father was/is always putting me down, calling me names, cussing at me, making every little tiny decision for me, saying he doesn't "give a D@^^N about me, my siblings, or my mom", saying I'm psychotic, withholding support (even with childhood-like things such as YMCA soccer and acting classes), among many other things.

On Saturday, he blew up at me out in public while we were shopping for a Mother's Day gift. I had things I wanted to get her already in mind. Last year I shopped by myself with no help, but this year he woke me up and said that we should go. I assumed he just wanted to spend time with me, but when we got to the stores, any little thing I had in mind wasn't good enough. He didn't like this idea, or didn't like that idea. I'd pick out flowers and he would put them down and get something else. When we were leaving the second store, I said quietly to him, because the cashiers were nearby, "This is turning into a husband-to-wife gift, rather than a Mother's Day gift from me." He started screaming and cussing at me right outside the store and threw the car keys about 40 feet down the sidewalk. He continued to insult me for about 45 minutes in the hot car (I live in Florida) with people watching. I told my mom later and she said that next time it happens I should just call 911. My dad hasn't spoken to me or anyone in the family since, and he hiding around the house to avoid being spoken to.

My mom occasionally puts me down and/or treats me as less than my other siblings. The most recent event was I was nervous about having a endoscopy done at the hospital. I was getting a little upset about it (nobody had told me what to expect yet, or what would happen), and she basically just told me to get over my fear of it and stop being such a baby.

Well, anyway, my mom is making me get a job this summer (my first job), but because of the verbal abuse, I have no self-confidence, low self-esteem, and low self-worth. I'm very nervous and worried about not doing my job right, forgetting to do something, people being rude, etc. It's becoming a paralyzing fear of getting a job. I've recently (in the past year or so) become very shy and nervous around people, so much that I don't go out with friends often. Last Thursday was the first time in almost two years that I met up with friends. I don't go to restaurants, sports events, fun things (movies, bowling, skating, etc.), friends houses, etc. because I'm so afraid of new situations. I occasionally even feel guilty for being alive. I have great difficulty making decisions (from big choices to small ones - even what to order at a restaurant with my family). I've tried talking to a counselor about my anxiety issues, but she wasn't much help. Plus, I'm too nervous/shy to even talk to someone personally about any of this.

Does anyone have any tips, words of encouragement, websites I should look into for advice, online counselors, advice, etc? It would be greatly appreciated. Sorry that this is so long.

Update:

Nadine, I really appeciate your advice. But I can't just talk to my dad nicely. He's so incredibly rude/mean to me. Tonight, he said I didn't know anything and that I was just "white-trash". He slapped my face earlier today, after I responded to him pushing me into a chair. Anything I say to him will end up in an arguement, as he doesn't really like me and thinks I'm good for nothing. I feel very stuck in my situation and like I will never get away.

2 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    No need to be sorry tell them all to get ****** and go look at themselves in the ****** mirror because believe me their not perfect but hey I think you owe your dad an apology,I mean he wanted to spend time with you even though it was painfull you could've been polite.I mean you sound like a spoilt brat that whinges bout everything you know your dad and mum are doing everything for you and you need to take some responsibility for yourself try talking to your father about your concerns let him know that you are not confortable with the way he keeps talking to you,ask him why?.It might be that he's really stressed out and he's really upset with himself but takes it out on you,let him know if he wants to talk bout things that he can just talk to you if he likes and that he's not a failure, and let him know if he keeps it up you feel like a failure too.Let your dad know he's got your support,he doesn't know how to get through to you,but if he's going to keep on carrying on go live with your mum or report it because its no good you living in an environment like it.

    Your dad needs to do a Anger management programme to vent his anger in the right direction or to deal with situations more calmly etc.You can go there with him if you like but remember if he doesn't get any help you leave.Let him know that if he keeps it up that your leaving.Ring kids helpline,ring social services,ring police,ring councellor,psychologist,centrelink,lifeline,family anyone to get help remember you are doing the right thing by getting help.but if you love your dad you don't want to hurt him anymore then what he is your dads sick and needs your help,make sure they know that and make sure he knows that you don't want to hurt him,or tear apart your family.Ok thats all I can give you hope this has been helpfull otherwise you can always carryon the same back and see how that goes I reckon it might stop,because then your father see's himself in you and will probably stop because he won't you being like him.Abuse the **** out of him,throw the keys down like he does,tell him he's a no good so and so give him back what he gives you and then some,and don't be afraid.Stand your ground and don't back down.they can be disruptive so can you.

    Source(s): me
  • 1 decade ago

    im sorry for what your going through maybe your just depressed and need medication

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