“They say it was long ago and it’s my problem. I wonder if they think I’m lying.”

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like your struggles and challenges are being dismissed because they happened in the past? Have you ever felt like people don’t believe you because they weren’t there to witness it themselves? If so, then you are not alone.

Many of us have experienced this kind of invalidation, whether it’s from friends, family, or even from society as a whole. We often hear the phrase, “It was so long ago, just get over it,” or “Stop dwelling on the past.” But what these people fail to understand is that our past experiences shape who we are today. They have a significant impact on our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and they should not be brushed aside as if they don’t matter.

It’s easy for others to say, “It’s your problem, not mine,” but what they fail to see is that our problems often stem from societal issues that have been perpetuated for years. We may carry the weight of generational trauma, systemic discrimination, and societal pressures that have been passed down to us. And instead of being met with empathy and understanding, we are met with skepticism and dismissal.

But the truth is, our problems are valid, and they deserve to be acknowledged and addressed. It doesn’t matter if they happened last week or ten years ago. Our struggles are not a figment of our imagination, and we are not lying about them. Our experiences are real, and they have shaped us into the resilient individuals that we are today.

So why is it that we are often made to feel like our experiences are not valid? Why do we constantly question whether others believe us or think we are exaggerating? The answer lies in the societal stigma surrounding mental health and difficult experiences. We live in a world where admitting to struggling with mental health is still seen as a weakness, and seeking help is often viewed as a sign of vulnerability.

But it’s time to break this stigma and stand up for ourselves. It’s time to remind those who tell us to “get over it” or “stop playing the victim” that our past experiences are not something we can simply erase or forget. They have shaped us, but they do not define us. We are not victims; we are survivors.

It takes immense strength to face our past traumas and work through them. It takes courage to open up about our struggles and seek help. And for that, we should be celebrated, not dismissed. We should be met with compassion and support, not judgment and skepticism.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s struggles are valid, regardless of when they occurred. Just because someone’s pain happened in the past does not mean it is any less real or significant. We should not be made to feel like our problems are insignificant or unworthy of attention just because they did not happen yesterday.

So the next time someone tells you to “get over it” or “stop living in the past,” remember that your feelings are valid. Your experiences are real, and they deserve to be acknowledged and addressed. Don’t let anyone diminish your struggles, and don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. You have the right to your emotions, and you have the right to heal from your past.

It’s time to change the narrative and shift the focus from “it was long ago” to “it happened, and it’s still affecting me today.” Let’s create a society where we can openly talk about our struggles without fear of judgment or invalidation. Let’s support each other in our healing journeys and remind each other that we are not alone. Because in the end, it’s not about when our problems occurred, but how we choose to face and overcome them.

So to anyone who has ever been told that their past is just “their problem,” know that you are not alone, and you are not lying about your experiences. Keep fighting, keep healing, and keep speaking your truth. Your journey is valid, and your voice matters. And always remember, your past may have shaped you, but it does not define you.