Understanding the Cycle of Abuse: My Personal Journey and Insight Join host Savannah Renee in this revealing episode of 'Let's Talk About It' as she delves into the complex and often hidden cycles of abuse. Inspired by a close friend, Savannah shares her personal experiences with various forms of abuse—physical, mental, emotional, and financial. She explains the stages of the abuse cycle, explores the concept of trauma bonding, and discusses emotional manipulation tactics like gaslighting. This episode aims to shed light on why leaving an abusive relationship is so difficult while offering pathways to recognize abuse, seek support, and start the journey toward healing. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:33 Understanding Different Forms of Abuse 01:03 The Cycle of Abuse Explained 03:18 Personal Experiences and Emotional Impact 06:08 Trauma Bonding and Emotional Manipulation 11:55 The Rollercoaster Effect and Psychological Impact 20:46 Breaking Free and Seeking Support 21:28 Gaslighting: The Ultimate Manipulation 21:56 Understanding Gaslighting 22:52 The Power of Guilt Tripping 25:34 Isolation Tactics 28:28 Blame Shifting and Silent Treatment 35:42 Breaking Free and Seeking Support 39:52 The Journey to Healing