Accustomed Quote by Beverly Engel
“Survivors have a difficult time expressing their feelings. They are more accustomed to minimizing their pain and hiding how they really feel, both from themselves and others. They often become frightened whenever they feel anything intensely, be it anger, pain, fear, or even love and joy. They fear their emotions will consume them or make them crazy.”
About This Quote
Trauma survivors often suppress intense emotions, fearing loss of control or madness, leading to emotional numbness.
In simple terms: Survivors hide strong feelings out of fear.
Key Takeaway
Practice safe emotional expression.
Themes
trauma
emotions
mental health
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
therapeutic
reflective
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- support groups
- personal journaling
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
psychological defense
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- What safe spaces can you create for feeling?
- How does naming emotions change their power?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding emotions can hinder healing.
![“Too often the survivor is seen by [himself or] herself and others as "nuts," "crazy," or "weird." Unless her responses are understood within the context of trauma. A traumatic stress reaction consists of *natural* emotions and behaviors in response to a catastrophe, its immediate aftermath, or…” quote by Diane Langberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/edb/diane-langberg-56315_abuse-survivors_too-often-the-survivor-is-seen-by-himsel_1540837.jpg)
