I Trusted Everyone But Myself: The Red Flags That Nearly Destroyed My Life

In this powerful episode of Living in the Aftermath, Lyndsey sits down with survivor, advocate, and paralegal Lynn Stroud for a raw conversation about the warning signs of abuse that so many people miss until it's too late.From childhood experiences that shaped her understanding of relationships to sexual assault, stalking, reproductive coercion, emotional abuse, family betrayal, and the failures of systems designed to protect survivors, Lynn shares the painful realities of what happens when trauma teaches you to question your own instincts.Together, Lyndsey and Lynn discuss:✨ Why survivors often trust everyone else's opinions over their own intuition✨ Reproductive coercion and the hidden forms of abuse many people don't recognize✨ Family members who defend abusers and silence victims✨ Stalking, intimidation, and post-separation abuse✨ Toxic messages like "Marriage is hard" and "Blood is thicker than water"✨ The family court system and the challenges protective parents face✨ Healing after abuse and learning to trust yourself again✨ Building healthy relationships after trauma✨ Breaking generational cycles and teaching our children healthy boundariesIf you've ever wondered why survivors stay, why leaving is so complicated, or how abuse can exist without visible bruises, this episode offers an honest look into the realities many victims face behind closed doors.This conversation is emotional, validating, and ultimately hopeful for anyone navigating life after abuse.⚠️ CONTENT WARNING / DISCLAIMERThis episode contains discussions of:Domestic violenceSexual assaultReproductive coercionStalkingEmotional and psychological abuseTrauma and PTSDFamily court challengesPost-separation abuseViewer and listener discretion is advised.The information shared in this episode is based on personal experiences and opinions and is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for legal, medical, mental health, or professional counseling services.💜 NEED HELP?The Refuge UtahWebsite: The Refuge Utah24-Hour Crisis Line: 📞 801-377-5500Text Line: 📱 801-368-7700National Domestic Violence HotlineWebsite: National Domestic Violence HotlineCall: 📞 800-799-SAFE (7233)Text: 📱 START to 88788RAINN (Sexual Assault Support)Website: RAINN24/7 Hotline:📞 800-656-HOPE (4673)📸 Instagram: @knowledge_exch_abuse_survivors💼 LinkedIn: Lynn Stroud LinkedInLynn is a survivor, advocate, and paralegal dedicated to helping others recognize the warning signs of abuse, reproductive coercion, coercive control, and post-separation abuse.🎙️ Podcast Host: Lyndsey Hackford📸 Instagram: @living.inthe.aftermath🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingintheaftermathApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-in-the-aftermath-with-lyndsey/id1832389204