Same for me, but 13 years. No one mentions the shame and isolation. I felt like a disease that no one wanted to be around.
If I ran into any old colleagues, it was clear they pitied me. The ones that did stay in contact just wanted the “gossip” (there was none), or wanted confirmation that I was somehow to blame so they could be comforted in knowing it won’t happen to them.
I “didn’t do anything to deserve this”, but it’s hard not to take it personally. The ruminating – trying to understand “why me, and not someone else” – hasn’t stopped.
Same for me, but 13 years. No one mentions the shame and isolation. I felt like a disease that no one wanted to be around.
If I ran into any old colleagues, it was clear they pitied me. The ones that did stay in contact just wanted the “gossip” (there was none), or wanted confirmation that I was somehow to blame so they could be comforted in knowing it won’t happen to them.
I “didn’t do anything to deserve this”, but it’s hard not to take it personally. The ruminating – trying to understand “why me, and not someone else” – hasn’t stopped.
The betrayal and shame is overwhelming.
Your comment has made me understand this better than anything I’ve previously read has. Thanks for sharing your perspective.