In memory of SKB Sometimes, adult survivors of emotional child abuse feel a deepening sadness that grows heavier and heavier with time. The burden of it can feel too much to carry… and they may think about suicide. So, we need to talk about suicide… and to discuss it with compassion and without judgment. Let’s … More Suicide: When Your Sorrow Feels Too Dark
Every adult survivor of emotional child abuse would love to hear the following apology in some version or other: “Child, I’m so deeply sorry for all the pain and suffering and neglect that you endured through my actions or inactions. If I could go back in time, I’d right those wrongs, treat you with the … More Even When Abusive Parents Apologize, They Don’t
After you’ve awakened to the truth that you were emotionally abused as a child (and perhaps continue to be as an adult child), you will definitely encounter some hard-core resistance from some disbelieving people. These people either have known you as a child and believe the image of a happy family that your parents propagated; … More Party of One: How to Stand Strong in the Truth When No One Believes You
You’ve long suspected something is not quite normal about your relationship with your parents. Perhaps you even sought answers and read about the signs of emotional child abuse. Now, you have come to the hard, cold realization that you’ve been emotionally abused as a child—and that the abuse has extended into your adulthood. So, what … More Fear and Guilt Will Keep You in an Abusive Relationship If You Let Them
If you are an adult survivor of emotional child abuse, you probably have a hard time differentiating the “safe” people in your life from ones that are crazy-makers or harmful to your well-being. In fact, you may not even grasp the concept of “safe people.” That’s not your fault. Raised by toxic people, you weren’t … More How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t
Advertisers during the Thanksgiving season present an exaggerated image of the simple holiday. Sumptuous feasts bring together far-flung relatives. The coolness of the weather chills past arguments and lets bygone be bygones. Moreover, people perpetuate this unreachable ideal by promoting glittery, heavily edited holiday images on their social networks. Unfortunately, the expectation can be so … More Five Ideas for a Peaceful Thanksgiving
At The Invisible Scar, we’ve received myriad emails and comments regarding how to deal with one’s harsh inner voice, which hounds adult survivors of emotional child abuse. To answer questions from readers, we turned to Dr. Lisa Firestone for her professional insight. Lisa works as the director of Research and Education at The Glendon Association … More How to Handle Your Critical Inner Voice: An Interview with Psychologist Lisa Firestone
Survivors of emotional child abuse who awaken to the reality of their past often talk about “finding out who I really am” and “becoming who I was meant to become.” It’s in that spirit, that I urge survivors of emotional child abuse to come up with a resolution this year to do something (healthy and … More Do Something You Love in the New Year
For all the beauty of the Christmas season, it can be a difficult time for survivors of emotional child abuse. Whether the adult is estranged from toxic parents or still in contact, the adult often must battle feelings of sorrow, frustration, anger, and loss. At the Invisible Scar, we recognize all those valid feelings… but … More Holiday Survival Tips: 10 Suggestions for an Emotionally Healthy Christmas
The Invisible Scar 