People often try to comfort me by saying “think of it this way – your trauma made you stronger” or “look at how strong you are now”. I understand the sentiment of trying to help me “see the good” in a terrible situation, but it is extremely invalidating. It also takes the power away from the victim/survivor.
I refuse to credit the men who tried to break me with making me “stronger”. Those contradict each other. I pulled myself out of that hole and was forced to be strong, in order to survive.
Talking Through Trauma 