My world has shrunk..."quot; Briefly on domestic violence

Psychological violence is a silent killer that slowly destroys from within, leaving wounds invisible to the eye. Barbara, the main character of this story, has lived in the shadow of such violence for years, experiencing it at the hands of her closest person - her husband. Words that would otherwise build and unite became hurting weapons for her. Criticism, humiliation, isolation from friends and family, and the constant fuelling of guilt and inadequacy all undermined her self-esteem and sense of self-worth, step by step.

The symptoms Barbara was experiencing were as devastating as they were difficult to see from the outside. Loss of joy in small things, constant feelings of fatigue and overwhelm, difficulty concentrating and tension became her daily routine. Barbara began to avoid social gatherings, she withdrew from social life and her world was confined to the four walls of her home, where she did not feel safe.

One day, on Easter Sunday, inspiration came from an unexpected direction - she watched her favourite film once again. Now she saw in it something more than someone else's story. Inspired, she took the first step towards change. Talking to a neighbour, and then to a friend from work, was not easy for Barbara. Encouraged to seek professional help, she ventured to see a psychologist, which proved to be a turning point in her life.

In the safe space of the psychologist's office, she felt for the first time in a long time that she could open up and talk about her experiences without fear of being judged. These conversations helped her to understand that the psychological abuse she was experiencing was not her fault. With the help of a psychologist, she began to work on rebuilding her self- esteem, learning stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation.

Over time, Barbara began attending support group meetings for people experiencing domestic violence. Sharing her experiences with others who had gone through similar situations brought her a sense of community and understanding. Most importantly, she began to rediscover herself and what makes her happy, slowly returning to old hobbies like painting and jogging.

Barbara's story can be a reminder that there are always ways and the possibility of change. Her path has not been easy, but with the determination and support she has found, she has managed to slowly regain herself. The first step towards a better tomorrow was having the courage to ask for help.

Seek help. If you don't know how, you can apply to us at Better Day Clinic.

Foto: Josue Michel/ Unsplash