We were not born into this world with the belief that we are “less than.” That notion is not innate; it is taught to us over time, until it embeds itself deeply into our identity. It arrives in small, nearly imperceptible moments: like being talked over when we share something, having our ideas questioned more harshly than others’, or being misunderstood repeatedly without anyone attempting to see from our perspective.
Many people think Emotional Abuse leaves no scars. After all, there are no bruises to point to, no broken bones to mend. But the damage runs deeper than skin. Emotional Abuse slices into the very core of a person, eroding confidence, self-worth, and identity until only fragments remain.
Look closely at the next crowd you encounter. What you see isn't just a collection of strangers; it's a dense forest of individual worlds, each one hiding a lifetime's worth of battles and secrets. Though the faces may seem similar, each journey is different. Each carries the burdens of life. From professionals to caregivers, to people-pleasers, these are the faces of Smiling Depression.
