The brain is wired to protect us, even if it means distorting reality. When the amygdala, our brain’s alarm system, senses a threat—like rejection, abandonment, or emotional harm—it can override logic and prioritize emotional truth over objective truth. Why? Because the full weight of certain truths can feel too overwhelming to face.
This is especially true in trauma bonds or emotionally abusive relationships. The thought of admitting:
- Someone we care about is causing us harm,
- We’re trapped in a deeply unhappy situation,
…can feel like stepping into a void. To avoid collapsing into fear, shame, or grief, the brain defaults to denial or rationalization—what feels safer in the moment.
Signs You Might Be Stuck in Emotional Truth:
- You excuse harmful behavior: “They didn’t mean it” or “It’s my fault.”
- You cling to good memories while ignoring patterns of harm.
- You feel an overwhelming need to stay, even when the relationship is toxic.
Breaking the Cycle:
- Awareness is Key: Understand how your brain protects you.
- Small Truths: Start by acknowledging smaller realities before confronting bigger ones.
- Safe Support: Build a support system to process emotions in manageable ways.
Healing begins with accepting both the emotional truth and the objective truth. It’s a journey of rewiring the brain to feel safe in reality—not the story we’ve told ourselves to survive. 💡
