Title: Healing Beyond Abuse: Finding Your Voice Again
In a world where trauma often echoes long after the initial pain, mental health advocates are calling for increased awareness and understanding of the psychological aftermath of abuse. A recent poignant narrative by trauma-informed writer Ibukun Oluwaseun Adesina illustrates this complex journey, shedding light on how surviving abuse can lead to an internal struggle with negative self-perceptions.
Adesina’s insights reveal that, while the physical abuse may end, the internal dialogue can become more damaging, mutating into an internal voice that whispers relentless messages of worthlessness: “You’re broken.” “You’re used.” “You don’t deserve better.” These sentiments linger long after the abuser has gone, often resulting in choices that perpetuate cycles of harm.
Living with the Echo
For many survivors, the trauma manifests in a distorted self-image. Adesina reflects on her personal experiences in the months following her assault, detailing how she felt compelled to make choices rooted in a place of damage, rather than empowerment. “Every choice I made seemed to come from a place of damage,” she reveals, noting that the internal dialogue often overrides her own wishes, leading to situations that further diminish her sense of self-worth.
Why We Stay Stuck
The author underscores a painful truth: trauma can rewrite the narratives we hold about ourselves. “It convinces us we’re not the same person anymore," she explains. This inner turmoil can lead victims to a feeling of powerlessness, reinforcing a belief that they no longer have the right to set boundaries.
The Turning Point
However, hope exists. Adesina describes a moment of self-recognition that transformed her trajectory: “If I keep going like this, the abuse wins forever.” This realization ignited a series of small yet impactful choices aimed at reclaiming her identity. From saying “no” to confiding in trusted individuals, each decision weakened the hold trauma had over her.
Healing Is a Process
True healing isn’t instantaneous; it’s a gradual path filled with setbacks and growth. Adesina emphasizes that learning to "talk louder than the trauma" involves continually choosing self-affirming narratives—a journey that many survivors will resonate with deeply.
For those still wrestling with their past traumas, Adesina’s message is clear: “You can stop. You can pause. You can turn around.” It’s an invitation to reclaim one’s narrative, not for anyone else, but for personal peace and healing.
Closing Thoughts
In a society still grappling with the stigma surrounding abuse and mental health, voices like Ibukun Oluwaseun Adesina’s are essential for fostering awareness and understanding. Her journey of reclaiming oneself—one choice at a time—offers solace and hope to many who may feel trapped in the echoes of their own trauma.
As numerous studies and personal anecdotes affirm, healing isn’t out of reach; it’s a continuous journey that starts with self-recognition and the courageous act of voicing a new story, one where the past does not dictate future choices.
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