It's the most depressing time of year

photo credit: Howard TJ #InkTober Day 11:  Cruel via photopin (license)

For every positive there's a negative. I'm sure most of us would rather focus on the former, but the reality in life is that there are dark sides to every situation. The holidays are like a time bomb that spurs emotional confrontations into high gear. As a child of emotional abuse, I learned many coping techniques that taught me to put up with a lot I really shouldn't have. My ability to speak, move, even use the bathroom was altered. Basically, I let myself 'play dead' for other people. It's taken years to get over that, and sadly, I'm still in the process. However . . . emotional abuse is universal. At one time or another, we were all made victim by a family member, trusted adult, or loved one. Perpetrators use the holidays to attack, romantic partners use it to keep their partner under lock and key--a veritable prison--all while looking like Ward, or June, Cleaver.

Below is an article offering some coping tips for victims of emotional and or physical abuse. And remember this, all abuse is physical. The stress of abuse takes its toll on a victim over time. Heart issues, liver, PTSD, brain functioning, you-name-it, are unfortunate side effects and cannot be ignored. Stay safe and remember that, no matter what, you are important. You don't have to play dead for other people. You deserve better. Take care and enjoy whatever peaceful moments you can.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/a-holiday-guide-for-abuse-survivors/

Happy Thanksgiving.