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Silence as an Emotion – Part II #MentalHealth #Relationships #Depression #Anxiety #Loneliness

The Weight of Silence

Silence.

It’s not just the absence of sound. It’s the absence of understanding, of connection, of release. For so many, silence is both a refuge and a prison—a double-edged sword that cuts deeper than words ever could. In Part I, I explored how silence can embody pain, anger, and isolation, and how relationships can either deepen the silence or break its hold. But there’s more to say—because silence doesn’t just exist; it builds. It shapes lives, minds, and hearts in ways we often don’t recognize until it’s too late.

Why Do We Choose Silence?

Sometimes silence is chosen out of necessity—when we’re afraid to speak up because we know the weight of our words could hurt others, or worse, be dismissed entirely. Other times, silence is imposed on us—when the people around us invalidate our feelings, brush aside our struggles, or demand that we “get over it.”

The result? We stop speaking. We stop trying. Instead, we retreat inward, believing our voices don’t matter. But silence isn’t a vacuum; it’s a container. Every unspoken word, every suppressed emotion fills it until we’re drowning in our own quiet suffering.

The Long-Term Damage of Silence

When silence becomes a way of life, it doesn’t just affect our relationships with others—it distorts our relationship with ourselves. We question our worth. We mistrust our feelings. We become numb to our own pain, convincing ourselves that silence is safer than vulnerability. But the truth is, the longer we stay silent, the harder it becomes to break free.

For Those Struggling in Silence
• To the Men and Women Alike: Silence does not make you stronger. It makes you invisible. Strength is found in facing what’s hard to say, not in avoiding it. Speak—imperfectly, angrily, nervously—just speak. Whether to a loved one, a friend, or a professional, let someone hear you. Let yourself be seen.
• To Those Who Are Listening: If someone opens up to you, listen—not to respond, but to understand. Their words may not come out perfectly, and their emotions might be messy. But don’t silence them with judgment, impatience, or dismissal. Let them feel. Let them speak. You might be their only outlet.

Breaking the Cycle in Relationships
• For Couples: Silence is the wedge that drives two people apart, even when they’re sitting right next to each other. Make communication a priority. Set aside time to check in—without distractions, without defensiveness. When you create a space where emotions are heard, not judged, you break the cycle of silence before it can take root.
• For the One Holding It All In: Your feelings matter. Your voice matters. If you’ve been made to feel like your emotions are a burden, know this: the right people will never see your vulnerability as weakness. The right people will lean in, not pull away. Find them. Trust them.

Healing from “Evil Silence”

Healing starts when you let the silence out—one word, one conversation, one step at a time. It won’t happen overnight. Years of bottling up emotions don’t disappear in a single moment of release. But with each attempt to express yourself, you take back control. You lighten the weight. You begin to heal.

Final Thoughts

Silence, as I’ve learned, is not inherently good or bad—it’s what we do with it that matters. There was a time when silence consumed me, when it left me feeling alone and unheard. But I also learned that silence can be a place of peace if you allow yourself to speak and let others in.

I’ve had a rough year this year and a lot going on.. My silence has been pretty bad the last few months. But releasing some stuff here like I used to.

If you’re still trapped in silence, know this: you don’t have to stay there. Your story, your pain, your voice—it all deserves to be heard. And if you don’t know where to start, I’m here. Always.

Quote:
“I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more.”
– C.S. Lewis

#MentalHealth #silence #Healing #Relationships #Communication #Depression #Anxiety #vulnerability #Trust #selfgrowth #itsoktotalk #Hope #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #ADHD #Grief #Addiction #BipolarDisorder #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #Loneliness #MajorDepressiveDisorder #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #CheckInWithMe #MightyTogether #Trauma #Suicide #SocialAnxiety #Selfharm #PTSD

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Communication

I feel like this can apply to all NDs. I've gotten into the habit of asking people what they mean when they ask open-ended questions and if I don't understand the intention of what they are saying I ask "are you being literal, joking, or sarcastic?" It helps me so I don't get upset for taking what they said literally, as well as not laughing at inappropriate times because I can't tell. (Pic from Pinterest) #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #Neurodiversity #NeurodevelopmentalDisorders #IntellectualDisability #IntellectualDisabilities #Disability #ADHD #audhd #Autism #AutismSpectrumDisorder #AspergersSyndrome #Aspergers #SensoryProcessingDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #MentalHealth #Spoonie #MightyTogether #CheckInWithMe #DistractMe #Dyslexia #Dyscalculia #Dysgraphia #Dyspraxia #TouretteSyndrome #Hyperlexia #Communication

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Talking to therapist

I have an appointment coming up with my therapist. She was on leave so I haven't seen her in 5 weeks...a lot can happen in 5 weeks! I almost decided not to schedule with her again because I struggle with my words and feel like I waste her time. I realize one reason I feel that way is because almost every time I ask her how she is (at the beginning of a session) she answers with "busy." It makes me feel, well I don't know exactly. I guess it makes me feel like I'm wasting her busy time that she could be working with someone who doesn't struggle so much. Someone who doesn't fall back into the same issues as before. She's not the only one who says that to me, and I do wonder if I used to do that, when I was able to work and my kids were young. (I don't now, I despise the word.) I wish I had the nerve to tell her how much it bothers me, but am I making a big deal out of nothing? #Anxiety #Depression #Therapy #PTSD . #Communication

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No one talked about it.

No one talked about it. Yanno talk about mental health, any aspect relative to it..

My parents didn't tell me about any of it. They didn't give me any warnings or prepare me for what life could throw my way. They were too caught up on their own messy life struggling with their own mental health, but forgot the ones who relied on them were struggling too.

Adults in my life didn't talk about the reality of how hard life can be, all the emotions you will feel and how to deal with them especially pain (personally the hardest one), the confusing series of events you may go through, or how to even cope with loosing someone you loved.

There was too much left unsaid, not understood, lingering questions with no one to give answers I desperately needed as a child. I had to learn everything the hard way when it never had to be that way, it could've been so different.

So here I am talking about anything and everything. I couldn't continue the cycle which was never acknowledged to even have the chance to be broken..

Here I still am. I'm still here and there's a reason for that. I've gone through so much trauma, hardship, health issues, and pain by age 26. Neverminded the struggles and difficultly navigating my way through life and healing as a single mom of two beautiful daughters, ages 7 and soon-to-be 3 year old.

No one talked about it, but I talk about it now. I will continue to always discuss mental health and every aspect relative to it, especially with my children.

#Childhood #Stigma #genrationaltrauma #Breakthecycle #Family #MentalHealth #Awareness #Parenting #Life #Pain #Communication #Children #Singlemom #hardship #survive #speakout #childrensvoices #Health #advocate #makechange #Hope #childrenarethefuture #teachchildren #selfawareness #healingjourney

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When you feel like you and your health hold your loved ones back in life.

Every day we deal with a heap of grieve, shame and guilt.

We greatly appreciate our loved ones and partners. We truly do understand that our health isn't just hard for us to digest, process and accept but it is equally hard for them. They don't want to see their loved one in pain every day, struggling and going through treatment after treatment. It's emotionally heart breaking.

We feel like half the time we are a burden, as they press pause on their life to be there for us. This can be really hard on our self esteem and self worth as the guilt becomes overwhelming.

Yes we want support and are so thankful for all the support we have.

But we don't want our loved ones looking back with regret if they missed events, moments, adventures and opportunities to be there for us.

We want them to live as normal life as possible and enjoy life as they deserve too.

I know so many of our loved ones will tell us on a daily basis that our health is their top priority and they don't see it as a burden to them to look after, support and love us. This can sometimes make us feel guilty for feeling this way and questioning their support, but I think it's total natural to feel guilt and have that worry about their life in the back of our minds.

For me.. I've always said to friends and family LIVE, live double for me and you. Do everything you want to, can do and dream of doing.

Because it actually brings a smile to my face when I see them living and having fun. It weirdly gives me hope for life and that life can be beautiful and bring happiness along the journey.

Life really is rough and tough, it's not always kind and when you are battling a chronic or mental illness you do feel like you are living in a black hole! You can't see the end of the suffer or a light at the end of the tunnel. But it is SO important to keep hope in our hearts and have the love that we have around us to keep fighting but also love enables to see the glimmers of hope, it helps us feel a touch of happiness and love I truly do believe helps us break out of our comfort zones.

So what can we do to help relieve our guilt over our loved ones?

My advice would be to communicate.

Share how you are feeling in regards to the guilt about them not being able to live and you feeling like a burden.

But honest and open about you not wanting them to look back with regrets.

Air it all out and for sure they will gain a deeper understanding into where you are coming from and will be able to explain their side, which should but you at great ease.

But communication is really at the core.

Nobody ( although we would love to) can mind read.

As humans anyway we go through a range of emotions, thoughts and feelings minute by minute so that is why it's important to have regular chats and check in's.

The first chat you will have will always be the toughest but it does get easier as you build your confidence up and also feel more at ease. It can also help massively strengthen relationships too.

Have any of you felt guilt about your loved ones or partner not living out their life dreams because they are supporting you and your health journey?

#ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #LymeDisease #Relationships #MentalHealth #chronicillnesslife #Trauma #Communication #Support #healthsupport #chronicillnesssupport #spoonielife

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How to improve communicate and not just do avoidance?

With anxiety occasionally I’ll avoid things or confrontations, etc unpleasant things, or even procrastinate and so on. Does anyone have any tips to improve and or communicate better my needs or find some middle ground where everyone is happy instead of avoiding the situation in the first place? Mainly family related, but just in general want to improve on the area. Thanks!

#Anxiety #Communication #Wondering #thanks #appreciateit #selfImprovement #thanks #Trying #Depression

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I saw a post today…. What was a “marriage” win this week? Did something g go really well for you and your partner this week? How did it make you feel?

For me 2 weeks after a huge blowout… we r at least talking… small talk, nothing g real important, but talking at least! It makes me “scared” “happy” “cautious” “worried” but mostly “glad”! How about any of you? Hoping yours is more along the lines of “planning a trip together” “went out for a nice dinner” “cuddle on the couch” ….. tell me some good happy stories!! #marriageishard #Communication #ChronicIllness #Marriage

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#Communication #ADHD #Depression #AnxietyDisorder

In what ways have you successfully communicated to people close to u that u r in need of more support (and gotten what you need)? Bc I have been doing this for over 20 years and no matter how hard I try or how fucking nice I am, they still don’t understand when I need help.

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#Communication #ChronicDepression #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #ADHD

In what ways have you communicated to people close to u that u r in need of more support and been successful? Bc I have been doing this for over 20 years and no matter how hard I try or how fucking nice I am, they still don’t understand when I need help.

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A Disney Day

It was a Disney Day at Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. I had an awesome time walking around with my cousin for her #Birthday . She is 40 years old, and I am 36! How the heck did we get so #Old ? I thought about #Life a lot this week, and I wondered about what the future holds for us all.

Are any of you trying #desperately to avoid watching the #News on TV? I sure do. I don't watch news clips on YouTube or read news articles that contain #negativity because my brain cannot handle it. Can yours?

I wish that things were #different . I know that we all wish things could have been improved as it feels pretty horrible right now. I would be lying if I said I did not go on YouTube and watch a few newsclips. #Youtube is always my #Outlet to receive #Communication from the world and watch my favorite creators. However, It is #hard to get myself away from the news section. The #gasprices alone are enough to cause a concern.

So... I want to spend as much time as I can visiting Magic Kingdom while I have the chance. I am thankful for my annual pass, as we bought it before I lost my #Job with Universal Studios.

*sigh*

Anyway... how are you??

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