Years ago I learned a conceptual model to describe the healing journey. Basically, it has five major parts, the first of which is the Emergency Stage. For most of us who grew up in families where abuse occurred there were so many dramas we thought they were the stuff of ordinary family life. Often, in the present time we still can't tell what is an emergency. But if you are feeling any of the following, it's an emergency and you need help:
        You want to kill yourself
        You want to kill someone else
        You want to harm yourself e.g. cut or burn your body
        You want to hurt a pet or a child
When you were in your family of origin you were all alone. You don't have to do things all alone now. Call your 12-step sponsor or counsellor if you have one. Call a friend. Or call a Crisis Line. You can even go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. The number for 24-hour Crisis Lines are at the front of the phone book.

REMEMBER: Don't kill yourself or your abuser wins.