There's a story I can't fully share, but I can share what it's taught me..

One thing I’ve noticed after healing from narcissistic abuse is that you can’t unsee it. You start recognising behaviours that once felt normal. The manipulation, the subtle control, the way someone presents themselves to the outside world but is completely different behind closed doors.

It’s like your nervous system develops a radar for it seeing through the bullshit radar

I’ve found myself watching a situation unfold that has felt incredibly familiar. At times it’s been triggering because I’ve lived through these patterns before.

The difference is this time I’m not the one trapped inside it, I’m now the person standing beside someone I love

That’s where I’ve realised just how much growth and healing I’ve done around my own experiences

Years ago I wouldn’t have had the words, I would have questioned myself and stayed quiet to keep the peace

Now I can see things and people for who they are, I can hold boundaries, speak up and advocate for someone else without abandoning myself in the process

People who rely on manipulation don’t usually like their behaviour being questioned. They don’t like boundaries and they certainly don’t like accountability. I’ve found that speaking my truth often comes with backlash

I’m actually okay with that because protecting someone who is vulnerable will always matter more to me than protecting someone else’s image

Watching these familiar patterns unfold has reminded me that healing isn’t just about leaving your own story behind for me It’s about becoming the person you once needed

And now I’m able to stand beside someone when it’s their turn to walk through that fire

If theres one thing I want to leave you with, its this

If someone is battling postnatal depression, PTSD or any other mental health challenge and they’re doing the hard work to get support and heal, they deserve encouragement, not shame. They deserve compassion, not criticism.

Healing is hard enough without someone making you question your worth while you’re trying to find your way back to yourself