Published February 16, 2017
Today's post is about Stockholm Syndrome.
A devastating syndrome, in which victims sympathize with their abusers.
This was first recognized and studied in victims of bank robberies and such types of events.
It was later categorized to explain why victims stay with their abusers, and refuse to leave.
We see the symptoms of it everyday. They have been increasing in the last two decades. Someone will be talking, and they will go into a trance-like state, say something nonsensical, or self-abusing, and then shake their head and return to semi-normal conversation.
Sometimes these victims, mostly women, escape their abusers for a time. It may be months. It may be years. Usually, some well meaning other victim, often a family member, or friend, pulls them back into the pack of abused women.
This is mostly about women. Though, it can occur in anyone, particularly any minority or disabled person, whom society values as less than a full person.
One way to recognize this, is someone who does not value themselves. Who does not respect themselves. Who does not recognize their value. One who does not respect the value of others, by pushing their abusers values onto those in their care.
If you don't respect yourself, you can't respect others. Women should be valued. Their value is worth more than any paper money can replace.
Sadly, too many see themselves as less than.
That is extremely mentally and physically unhealthy.
As a society we need healthy people of all ages, regardless of gender and ethnicity. People who value themselves enough to want to live to help others.
Without self-value, there is no room for valuing others.
Without self-care, they is no ability to care for others.
Without self-worth, there is no ability to see the difference anyone can make.
Without self-trust, there is no trust in others.
With no self-respect, one cannot respect others.
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