Blog Post # 8: Rebuilding After Abuse- Learning to Trust Yourself Again

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Trigger Warning: This post discusses emotional trauma after abuse. Please prioritize your safety and healing.

 

Why It’s So hard to Trust Yourself After Abuse

When you’ve spent months- or years- being gaslit, manipulated, or controlled, it’s easy to lose trust in your own voice.

Survivors often second-guess their memories, their instincts, and even their worth. Abuse teaches us to doubt everything about ourselves. 

But here’s the truth:

You were never the problem.

You were surviving . You were adapting, You were doing your best in an unsafe situation.

 

What Rebuilding Trust Looks Like

Healing isn’t about waking up one day and suddenly being “okay.” It’s about learning to believe your feelings again, bit by bit. It’s about whispering “I trust you.” To your reflection-even if your voice shakes.

Here’s how rebuilding self-trust can begin:

  • Listen to your gut-and act on it, even in small ways
  • Make decisions without needing outside validation.
  • Forgive yourself for the times you didn’t know better,
  • Celebrate each boundary you set.
  • Journal your wins and your doubts- both matter.
  • Surround yourself with people who support your voice, not silence it.

Real talk: Healing Isn’t Linear

 

Some days, you’ll feel strong and grounded. Other days, you may question everything again. that’s okay. that’s normal.

What matters is that you keep going. Every time you honor your truth, you’re renewing the story abuse tried to write for you.

 

Survivor Affirmation

”My instincts are valid. My voice matters. I am learning to trust myself-and that’s powerful.”

 

Healing Tools To Try:

  • Self-trust journaling prompts
  • A printable “What I Know to Be True” worksheet
  • A calming audio meditation to reconnect with your inner voice
  • A mirror affirmation card to hang up and repeat daily

(Need these? I’d be honored to share them - just click the free resources tab.)

 

Let’s Talk:

Have you struggled with self-trust after leaving? What helped you rebuild that relationship with yourself? Share your story in the comments or message us privately. 

You’re not alone. 

 

With Love,

Jennie and Jessica

Shatter the Silence