Dealing with the feelings of hurt and seeing someone who has hurt you appear happy can be incredibly challenging. Here are some strategies to help you cope with these emotions:
Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself to feel the emotions and acknowledge that it's natural to feel hurt in such situations. Don't suppress your feelings, as that may lead to additional stress.
Avoid comparison: Remember that people often present a filtered version of their lives to the outside world. Just because someone seems happy doesn't mean their life is perfect or that they are free from their own struggles.
Focus on your healing: Concentrate on your own well-being and healing. Engage in self-care activities that bring you joy and a sense of peace. This could be spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional support through therapy or counseling.
Set boundaries: If possible, limit your exposure to the person who has hurt you. Create healthy boundaries to protect yourself emotionally.
Practice forgiveness (for yourself): Forgiveness doesn't mean excusing the other person's behavior or reconciling with them. Instead, it's about freeing yourself from the burden of holding onto anger and resentment. Forgiving yourself is essential too, as victims of abuse often blame themselves for the actions of others.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and experiences. Talking with others who understand and empathize can be incredibly helpful.
Let go of the need for closure: Closure may not always come from the other person acknowledging their actions or apologizing. Sometimes, you may need to find closure within yourself by accepting that you deserve better and moving forward without seeking validation from them.
Engage in therapy: A therapist or counselor can provide you with a safe space to process your emotions and work through the impact of the mental abuse. They can also provide valuable tools and coping mechanisms to help you heal.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Understand that healing takes time, and it's okay to have ups and downs along the way.
Focus on personal growth: Use this experience as an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. Learn from the past, and strive to build a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
Remember, healing from emotional abuse takes time, and it's okay to seek help and support during this process. Surround yourself with caring and understanding individuals who can provide you with the encouragement and love you need as you move forward.