Emotional Abuse Doesn’t Always Leave Bruises, It Leaves Scars
You don’t have to be hit to be harmed. You don’t have to be screamed at to be silenced. Sometimes, it’s the quietest moments that hurt the most.
This post is for the ones who’ve endured:
The cold silence used as punishment
The eye rolls when you express your truth
The “you’re too sensitive” every time you speak up
The slow, cruel manipulation that makes you question your own reality
As therapist @nedratawwab reminds us emotional abuse looks like this:
The silent treatment.
Refusing to accept responsibility.
Manipulation.
Gaslighting.
Shame.
Indifference.
Ridicule.
These aren’t small things. They are the systematic erasure of your emotional safety. They chip away at your confidence, your peace and your sense of self.
If you’ve ever found yourself apologising just to keep the peace, this is for you. If you've had to rehearse conversations to avoid another explosion, this is for you and if you've felt invisible in your own home or relationship, this is for you.
You are not imagining it. You are not overreacting. You are not the problem.
Reclaiming Your Inner Voice
Take 5 minutes. Breathe deeply. Write down 5 things you know are true about yourself. Start with:
I deserve to feel safe.
My feelings are valid.
I am not responsible for someone else's inability to love healthily.
My voice matters.
I am allowed to leave environments that harm me.
Read them aloud. Every day. Until they feel like truth again.
If this resonates with you, don’t stay silent. Comment below with “I see it now” if you’re beginning to recognise the signs of emotional abuse. If you need resources, support or simply someone to witness your truth, send us a direct message, we're here for you. And remember to save this post, sometimes, that small act can be the first courageous step toward your freedom.
