Whether it’s an ‘obvious’ trauma like a natural disaster or assault, or whether it’s stuff you’re not sure would count as “trauma,” like surviving emotional abuse or neglect as a kid- living through a horrifying experience can really mess with your head and your heart (and your guts!).
*highkey if you’re honest
...know, logically
that shit from childhood wasn’t your fault- you were just a kid! But you can’t shake the feeling that somehow… you deserved it. You’re getting tired of that fear popping up out of nowhere and sucker punching you in the gut.
...have been in therapy before
but your anxiety & depression have only gotten worse.
...crave quiet time alone
in theory- but you never know when a shame spiral will self-activate and ruin it. Read ya later, latest fantasy novel- your girl’s gotta spin out for a while. *face palm*
...don’t really want to die
but you’re having a hard time figuring out what the point of being here even is.
...100% your harshest critic
and honestly, that inner critic isn’t even sure that your experiences qualify as “trauma.” It’s not like you served in a war or lived through a natural disaster firsthand. (*unless you did, in which case… yeah that can qualify)
...feel your needs don’t matter
-even to you. It’s more important that everyone else has a good time, though it might mean you’re miserable. You’re not even sure what your needs are, but you’re sure not gonna bring them up.