Healing from Abuse: Why Proper Grieving is Vital for Moving Forward

Survivors need to grieve the years invested & damage undergone, the loss of a relationship or lack of a healthy one, & the loneliness that comes after

Encountering abuse can be a traumatic experience that can leave long-lasting effects on an individual. It is not uncommon for survivors of abuse to feel a sense of grief and loss, as they come to terms with the damage that has been done to them. Here are three things that survivors may need to grieve after encountering abuse:

Years Invested and Damage Undergone

Survivors of abuse may need to grieve the years that they invested in a relationship or situation that ultimately caused them harm. They may feel a sense of regret or guilt for not recognizing the signs of abuse earlier, or for staying in the situation for as long as they did.

Additionally, survivors may need to grieve the damage that has been done to them, both physically and emotionally. They may experience a range of emotions such as anger, sadness, and frustration as they try to come to terms with the impact that the abuse has had on their lives.

Grieving the years invested and damage undergone can be a difficult process, but it is an important step in the healing journey. It is important for survivors to seek support from loved ones or a professional therapist to help them process their emotions and work through their grief.

Loss of Relationship or Lack of It

Survivors of abuse may also need to grieve the loss of a relationship or the lack of a healthy relationship in their lives. They may feel a sense of sadness or longing for the relationship that they thought they had, or for the relationship that they never got to have.

In cases of intimate partner abuse, survivors may have invested a significant amount of time and energy into the relationship, only to have it end in betrayal and pain. They may grieve the loss of the person they thought they knew, or the loss of the future that they had planned together.

In cases of familial abuse or abuse from a friend, survivors may grieve the loss of a relationship that they had hoped would be supportive and loving. They may feel a sense of betrayal and confusion as they try to reconcile the abusive behavior with the person they thought they knew.

It is important for survivors to remember that the loss of an abusive relationship is not a loss at all. It is an opportunity to move forward and build healthy relationships in the future. Survivors may benefit from seeking support from a therapist or joining a support group to help them process their feelings and learn new skills for building healthy relationships.

Loneliness

Finally, survivors of abuse may need to grieve the loneliness that can come with healing from abuse. The healing journey can be a long and difficult one, and survivors may feel isolated and alone as they work through their emotions and memories.

They may also feel a sense of loneliness as they begin to set boundaries and remove toxic people from their lives. It can be challenging to rebuild a support system and find new, healthy relationships after experiencing abuse.

It is important for survivors to know that they are not alone. There are many resources available, such as therapy, support groups, and hotlines, that can provide support and connection during the healing journey.

What Happens When You Do Not Grieve

It is important for survivors of abuse to grieve the things they have lost because it allows them to acknowledge their pain and work through their emotions. Without proper grieving, survivors may continue to carry unresolved feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness, which can have negative effects on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

If a survivor does not properly grieve the years invested and damage undergone, they may struggle to move on from the trauma and experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, among others.

Similarly, if a survivor does not grieve the loss of a relationship or the lack of a healthy relationship in their lives, they may continue to experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem. This can make it difficult for them to form new relationships and can negatively impact their sense of self-worth.

Proper grieving is important because it allows survivors to work through their emotions and begin the healing process. It can help them to gain a sense of closure and move forward with their lives. Seeking support from loved ones or a professional therapist can be an important step in this process.

Conclusion

Encountering abuse can be a difficult and traumatic experience that can leave survivors with a sense of grief and loss. It is important for survivors to acknowledge and grieve the years invested and damage undergone, the loss of relationship or lack of it, and the loneliness that can come with healing from abuse. With support and self-care, survivors can move forward in their healing journey and build a brighter future.

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Categories: Narcissism, Personal Growth, Relationships