The logo for "Releasing the Phoenix" with the text "Debunking Trauma Bonding" and "Fact vs. Fiction" with the tag "@rtpmentalhealth"

Includes the text "Trauma bonding occurs between an abuser and a victim in a relationship. The victim creates an attachment to their abuser due to periods of affection, followed by abuse, which continues in cycles. The emotional attachment the victim has to their abuser makes it very difficult to leave the relationship."

"On the internet, and even on reality television, the term 'trauma bonding' has been thrown around almost as slang to portray two people bonding over similar or shared traumatic experiences. Throwing the term 'trauma bonding' around in this context is harmful, because it not only minimizes the dangerous cycles that those in abusive relationships experience with a trauma bond."

"It also harms individuals who may have bonded with someone over a shared traumatic experience, which can sometimes lead to a toxic friendship if this is the focus of the friendship. But equating this form of bond to a 'trauma bond' isn't clinically appropriate, and it does contribute to misunderstanding."

Debunking "trauma bonding" and what it actually is, in contrast to how the term is used across social media - and even reality television in some cases.

#debunkingmentalhealth #mentalhealth #traumabonding #releasingthephoenix #sagenestlermsw