Dear Anita,

I think it is very likely that I triggered memories of that event from when I was younger. Everyone who I have talked to says that it is not the act itself, but something that I triggered so I think you were right all along for trying to delve into my past experiences to find an explanation. It makes me very sad that s0mething so small has caused all of this damage, and I’m hoping it will all go back to normal with time. I have a feeling that once my sleep goes back to normal, things will start to look up. Do you think this loss of feeling is only temporary? I love my boyfriend so much, and I want to be able to feel those feelings again. This past Sunday, I was honest with him and told him how I feel numb and feel unable to love and almost broke up with him because I don’t want to hurt him, but he said he wants to help me get through this. I’m trying to find an excuse for why I can’t sleep at night, and sometimes I wonder if breaking up is the only option for me to get better. My boyfriend says this isn’t about me or him, it’s something much deeper and I think he’s right. I’m just feeling impatient and hopeless. I feel like all of our future plans are ruined because of my mental state at the moment.

Christina