Sometimes we experience such traumatic events that our identities are shattered. We become very critical of ourselves and gradually we lose our essence and personality. We are broken and we don’t know what to do.
Have you gone through an abusive and painful relationship? Do you remember how you saw yourself after leaving that harmful bond? In general, the metaphor of being broken into a thousand pieces is quite accurate. Dimensions such as identity and self-esteem are completely fragmented. Our psychological health is like a surface which is broken into many parts.
This is why a very symbolic term was coined from the clinical field to represent this reality. Broken mirror syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that drag a traumatized person. As a result of this negative experience our inner image of ourselves is altered, broken and completely distorted.
In some way or the other, there are many people who carry within themselves a worn or damaged surface in which they see themselves every day. This is the corner where the reflection of our personality, our values and our strengths is usually found.
If those areas have been invaded and violated, it is very difficult to find oneself, seeing oneself clearly enough to feel in control of one’s own life…
After a complex and damaging experience, it is necessary to repair our inner mirror in which each of us sees ourselves.
Broken Mirror Syndrome: Symptoms and Triggers
Doctor Domina Petrick published an exhaustive study on the concept of Broken Mirror Syndrome in 2018. We talk about the process in which a person develops a distorted image of himself as a result of trauma. In general, these psychological phenomena are the result of abusive relationships of both family and partner.
What happens is that the victim internalizes many of the narratives transmitted by the abuser. Let’s think, for example, of a father or mother who is overly critical of a child. Passive families that are devalued and abused tell their children to create broken mirrors of themselves where they can see themselves. They are surfaces in which they do not find a single positive characteristic.
Similarly, there may be another fact as well. We can define ourselves as having a confident and healthy personality. With a clear and defined identity and values. Therefore, our internal mirror is “intact”. However, starting an affectionate relationship with an abusive personality can completely ruin the image we hold within ourselves.
It is essential to have a clear, bright and positive vision of oneself in order to find the values and strengths to feel good and live a quality life. However, trauma completely ruins that healthy vision. Self-loathing and fear strike through the veins of those broken pieces.
What are the features in it?
Broken mirror syndrome is not in any diagnostic manual and does not define a disorder as such. We are facing the effects of trauma. It is a sequel, A Wound, a personality change that results from a harmful experience made by an abusive person.
These are the associated features:
feeling of inferiority. The person ceases to feel valid for almost any area of life.
distorted image of himself. Only negative traits and features are observed.
There is a deep sense of guilt and shame as a result of what has happened.
A deep emotional somatization is manifested: headache, digestive disturbances, sleep disturbances, muscle pain, a tendency to suffer from infections, skin problems, hair loss, etc.
On the other hand, we cannot ignore the fact that broken mirror syndrome is often associated with a depressive process. Mental wear and tear is very high and weakens any strength of a person.
What is the origin of broken mirror syndrome?
As we mentioned, broken mirror syndrome is the result of an abusive relationship. Although this can be the result of living in a dangerous and violent family environment, this trait is in most cases caused by relationships based on physical and psychological abuse.
On the other hand, we must also consider another interesting aspect. Dr. David B. Research by Wechsler and published in the Journal of Psychotherapy Practice indicates that abusers also have a “broken mirror”.
The self-psychological and empathic reflection of the harmed person also becomes damaged and distorted. They are people unable to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their conduct. They are fragmented individuals inside, broken down into basic aspects like compassion, emotional connection, and understanding.
Not only do sufferers develop broken mirror syndrome. The abuser also shows a broken, dull and distorted reflection of themselves.
To address broken mirror syndrome, it is necessary to treat the underlying problem, which is the psychological trauma caused by the abusive relationship. In these cases, eye movement processing and desensitization (EMDR) therapy is often useful, a recurrent approach in this type of clinical situation.
However, it is important to help the individual develop self-compassion, in order to work on the internal distortion of their image, identity, and strengths. Victims of abuse and abuse deal with a corrosive feeling of fear, guilt, and shame.
Shaping a less critical and healthy vision is meant to offer mechanisms for correcting limiting beliefs, reducing self-sabotage, and setting new goals and objectives in which to see oneself as the protagonist. This type of healing work takes time. However, we all have the resources to improve that image of ourselves.
Repairing and reconnecting the broken pieces of our internal mirrors is something that is essential in our power to accomplish. Let’s not hesitate to ask for help.
Source: The Mind is Wonderful
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Nation World News is the fastest emerging news website covering all the latest news, world’s top stories, science news entertainment sports cricket’s latest discoveries, new technology gadgets, politics news, and more.
Contact us: contact@nationworldnews.com
© Copyright 2021 Nation World News All Right Reserved.