Emotional abuse is taken lightly
Unlike its cousin physical abuse
Maybe because the damage is invisible
Unlike bruises and scars, its effects cannot be seen
But they sure are lethal
Maybe far more permanent than the latter
Mind games manipulate
Gaslighting invalidates
Threats instill anxiety
Insults cause shame
Criticism weakens the spirit
The list is long and torturous
Over time this abuse breaks you
Changes you from the inside out
Makes you a shadow of your former self
Creates a burning desire for escape and death
For you neither like nor recognize the person in the mirror
And become known as a trainwreck
Who’s constantly told to ‘get over it’
Because the whole thing happened years ago, after all
Awesome read. You have explained the pain so well.