Stage 2: Anger, Guilt, & The Rage Phase
You’re not overreacting. You’re finally reacting.
Anger is a stage most people are afraid to talk about. But when you’ve been violated emotionally, rage is appropriate. You’re not crazy—you’re finally giving voice to everything you were forced to swallow for years.
WHAT YOU'RE PROBABLY FEELING
- Anger at them
- Anger at yourself
- Guilt, shame, embarrassment
- Obsession over “getting even”
- Explosive energy that doesn’t know where to go
WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE FEELINGS
- Channel it into journaling, art, movement
- Scream in your car
- Write the letter you’ll never send
- Talk about it with someone who gets it (this can be hard since you may find most people have enabled this behavior, and many therapists don't have the insight)
- Don’t shame yourself for feeling this & give yourself grace—it’s your nervous system reclaiming space
HERE'S WHAT MADE YOU VULNERABLE
I want to share something my therapist said about anger that blew my mind. Your anger is the part of you that knows your mistreatment and abuse are unacceptable. Your anger knows you deserve to be treated well, and with kindness. Your anger is a part of you that loves you.
- Lyndsey Gallant
