Trauma bonding, a phrase tossed around, isn’t as lighthearted as you thought. Working to understand the gravity behind this term and correctly address abuse is critical, let’s dissect it together.

One, two, three. I remember lying in bed and counting. Four, five, six. If I could make it to ten, the pain would usually stop. Seven, eight, nine. It came in waves, feeling like a knife was ripping through my stomach and severing me to my knees. Ten.