02/16/2026
When people share their experiences of religious trauma, they’re often met with responses like “you’re exaggerating” or “it wasn’t that bad.”
These statements aren’t neutral.
They’re dismissive, invalidating, and can actually reinforce the very trauma survivors are working to heal from.
Religious trauma is real.
It shows up in the body, in relationships, and in the way we see ourselves and the world.
Naming it isn’t “bitterness” or “unforgiveness,” it’s the first step toward reclaiming safety, connection, and wholeness.
If you’ve been told your pain is “exaggerated,” know this: your story matters, and your healing is valid. 🖤
