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The MEND Project Blog

The MEND Project Blog

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The MEND Project’s blog offers articles, personal stories, and more to help victims and responders of emotional abuse.

Use the box below to search our articles, or scroll down to view them as a list.

Additionally, you can click here for free downloadable resources.

Healing from a Covert Narcissist

Healing From a Covert Narcissist: By Michelle

We are thankful for Michelle’s bravery in sharing her story of healing from abuse by a covert narcissist.In this abuse survivor story, you’ll gain

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Love-Bombed: A Story of Surviving

In this story, Vesper (not her real name) met her boyfriend in another state. They had a fast beginning to their relationship when she

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When the Mask Falls Off

When the Mask Falls Off: By Yaya

In this survival story of emotional abuse, you’re going to learn about Yaya and her relationship/marriage with a narcissist who kept his abusive, narcissistic

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The Wreckage He Left Behind

The Wreckage He Left Behind: Crystal’s Story

Today, we are sharing a survivor story of emotional abuse from a brave woman, named Crystal (a pseudonym to protect her privacy.) In this story,

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A ‘Normal-Life’ Used to Sound Impossible

Nicole’s Life Story of Abuse, Trauma, Hope and Healing

In this story, we are proud to introduce you to a brave, powerful woman named Nicole. She experienced the unfathomable as a child and

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Wounds Deeper Than Bruises by Jessica

Wounds Deeper Than Bruises, by Jessica

In this brave abuse survivor story, you’ll meet Jessica—who experienced covert, verbal, and emotional abuse from her narcissistic husband.  In listening to her story,

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A Wife’s Manifesto

A Wife’s Manifesto by R.L. Newey

In this story of emotional abuse, you’re going to learn: How a wife in an emotionally abusive relationship feels about her husband About how she wishes

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the-mend-not-your-fault

Is It My Fault I Was Abused? Learn Why ‘No’ Is the True Answer

You’ve been the victim of abuse—and now, you’re wondering if it was actually your fault. You’ve spent hours, days, weeks—maybe even years tipping back and

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In Desperation, I Sought the Wrong Refuge – By Abigail

In this survivor of domestic violence story written by a courageous young woman who we will call Abigail, you’ll learn about: The craziness that takes

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Can Abusers Change?

Can Abusers Change? 5 Almost Impossible Obstacles Explained

​A common question victims of domestic abuse ask is whether or not an abuser can change. In this article, we will explore this question

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healing-from-emotional-abuse_3

Healing from Emotional Abuse: 5 Essential Steps to Fully Recover

If you have experienced any form of emotional abuse – whether from a family member, friend, or romantic partner – it can be hard

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spiritual abuse signs and is separating okay for healing

Spiritual Abuse: Signs and Is Separating Okay for Healing?

Spiritual abuse, or religious abuse, is one of the most damaging forms of psychological coercion, which can take years before a person fully heals

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playing the victim blog

Playing the Victim: How Abusers Flip the Script

Abuse in relationships can take many different forms, some subtle and hidden, while others are overt. One of the most confusing and painful tactics used by abusers is playing the victim—a manipulative strategy where they ...

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Abusive Belittling

The Harm of Pathologizing Abuse Survivors

At The MEND Project, we often hear stories from survivors whose emotional pain was mislabeled as abnormal behavior or unhealthy behavior. This experience has a name: pathologizing — and it causes deep, lasting harm. This ...

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emotional-abuse-quiz

Is It Emotional Abuse? Take This Confidential Quiz

Emotional abuse, especially when covert or hidden, can be difficult to name and identify. This self-assessment quiz is designed to help uncover subtle relational patterns that may be undermining your emotional safety, autonomy, and well‑being.On ...

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Mark’s Story of Narcissistic Abuse

My Story of Narcissistic Abuse and Workplace Retaliation by Mark

How has MEND helped you?I finally understand what happened to me!I not just gained clarity about what I experienced, I understand what happened to me, and I experience enormous validation from Annette's words about double ...

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Brians Story of Finding Freedom

Brian’s Story: Finding Freedom After 23 Years of Marriage

My name is Brian, and I just finished the self-paced course: Finding Clarity and Healing in Difficult, Confusing, or Abusive Relationships. I am so thankful I found this material. Reading and listening to the testimonies and ...

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Kathy’s Story: Money Was a Constant Source of Tension

Through her courage and resilience, Kathy offers an eye-opening story of emotional abuse that occurred over the course of her marriage. Her journey speaks to the quiet struggles that often go unnoticed and unspoken, especially when ...

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Stories Of Healing

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Disclaimer: The author of this website, The MEND Project and its founder, Annette Oltmans, takes responsibility for the presentation of the content of this website. We are not clinicians, but are researchers and desire to help you. We are not trying to vilify any gender, or any person, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality etc. Our mission is to identify and clarify the single behaviors or patterns of behaviors that occur when covert abuse is present. The material on this website and the services our nonprofit offers are offered in an effort to serve all victims of abuse. © 2025 The MEND Project. All Rights Reserved.