I'm sorry to hear that you have gone through such difficult experiences. It's essential to acknowledge that both emotional and physical abuse can be deeply damaging and traumatic in their own ways. People's responses to and perceptions of abuse can vary based on their individual experiences, personalities, and coping mechanisms. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize that different survivors may have different reactions to various types of abuse.
The reason some people might emphasize the severity of emotional abuse over physical abuse is because emotional abuse can be insidious and harder to detect. Its effects can linger long after the visible wounds of physical abuse heal. Emotional abuse often involves manipulation, gaslighting, and the erosion of a person's self-esteem, which can lead to profound psychological harm.
However, it's important to remember that minimizing the impact of physical abuse is not helpful or appropriate. Physical abuse can leave visible scars, cause severe physical injuries, and can also lead to long-term psychological consequences. Both emotional and physical abuse are unacceptable, and neither should be downplayed or dismissed.
Each survivor's experience is valid, and their perception of the harm they endured is legitimate. It's essential to respect and support survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse they experienced. Everyone's healing journey is unique, and what matters most is that survivors receive the help and understanding they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
If you're feeling invalidated or unsupported in your experiences, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor who can provide a safe space to discuss your feelings and emotions and help you navigate through the healing process. Remember that seeking help and support is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to assist you in your recovery.