@tisheilajustice: We are often much more comfortable with someone being a survivor than we are with witnessing someone who is still suffering. I use language like “functional but miserable” or “some people are destroyed by trauma” because those are the words people use with me when they finally feel safe enough to tell the truth about how much they are hurting. They are not always looking for a diagnosis or a solution. Sometimes they are trying to communicate the magnitude of something they have spent years minimizing. They have tried saying it softly. They have tried making it easier for everyone else to hear. And sometimes they were still dismissed, avoided, or told to be grateful. So if someone’s language about their pain feels too strong, instead of immediately policing the words, become more sensitive to the suffering underneath them. We can learn to ask, “What are you trying to tell me?” instead of “Why are you talking like that?” We can listen for the pain underneath the language, stay curious, and create enough safety for people to tell the truth before their suffering has to become a crisis to be taken seriously. You do not have to endorse every word someone uses to let them know, “I hear you, and I want to understand.” Disclaimer: This content is for education and reflection only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional or crisis support when needed. #womensmentalhealth #traumatherapist #dysfunctionalfamily #survivalmode #cyclebreaker

Tisheila Trauma Therapist

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Region: US

Thursday 01 October 2026 19:38:47 GMT