Title: What Trauma REALLY Does to a Survivor’s Mind & Body Caption: Domestic violence doesn’t just leave physical wounds — it reshapes the nervous system, emotions, and sense of identity. Many survivors blame themselves for responses that are actually normal trauma reactions. Here are a few things survivors commonly experience: 💜 Hypervigilance — constantly scanning for danger, even in safe places. 💜 Freeze Response — feeling numb, stuck, or unable to make decisions. 💜 Fawning — people-pleasing or over-apologizing to avoid conflict. 💜 Survival-Based Thinking — choosing what feels safest, not what others think is “logical.” 💜 Memory Gaps — trauma can interrupt the brain’s ability to store events clearly. 💜 Self-Doubt — abusers condition victims to question their own reality and worth. If you relate to any of this, please know: ✨ You’re not “dramatic.” ✨ You’re not “crazy.” ✨ You’re not “overreacting.” You are navigating the aftereffects of trauma while rebuilding your life — and that takes strength most people will never understand. You’re safe here. 💜