Strong Me — modern psychology from women to women
A platform with psychology articles written by women, for women — with depth, respect, and a real understanding of life’s emotional complexity
Strong Me — modern psychology from women to women
A platform with psychology articles written by women, for women — with depth, respect, and a real understanding of life’s emotional complexity
What Is “Poverty Trauma”?
Poverty is a broad concept. It means different things to different people. For one person, being poor may mean not having their own car or household help. For another, it may mean living on the street. But for everyone, poverty is a state they do not want to experience, because it brings deep discomfort and painful emotions.
So What Does “Poverty Trauma” Mean?
It refers to psychological harm caused by financial insecurity, usually accompanied by strong and prolonged stress. This kind of trauma can develop in people who have directly or indirectly experienced a period of serious financial hardship.
For example:
As a child, you wore hand-me-down clothes from an older sibling and felt ashamed of how you looked.
You could not invite friends over because they would see how modestly your family lived.
Or you simply never had pocket money.
For example:
As a child, you wore hand-me-down clothes from an older sibling and felt ashamed of how you looked.
You could not invite friends over because they would see how modestly your family lived.
Or you simply never had pocket money.
“Poverty Trauma” Can Show Up in Different Ways
Some people choose extreme frugality as a way of life. They find it difficult to part with even a small amount of money because it causes intense tension and guilt.
Others constantly fear running out of money, even when there is no real reason to worry.
Some, on the contrary, spend impulsively and uncontrollably, regularly falling into debt — no matter how much they earn.
Others make overly expensive purchases just to “meet the standard” or appear successful.
Others constantly fear running out of money, even when there is no real reason to worry.
Some, on the contrary, spend impulsively and uncontrollably, regularly falling into debt — no matter how much they earn.
Others make overly expensive purchases just to “meet the standard” or appear successful.
It is important to notice that the signs can look completely opposite: some people restrict themselves unnecessarily, while others become reckless with spending.
But the root is the same — poverty trauma.
What Can You Do About It?
You work through it.
And the good news is: this is something you can change.
You work through it.
And the good news is: this is something you can change.
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Meet the authors of Strong Me
We created Strong Me as three psychologists from different generations and life experiences, united by the same belief: women need guidance that feels honest, intelligent, and written from one woman to another. Our platform is here to help women understand themselves, their relationships, and their worth with more depth and confidence.
- Aiko VossPhD in PsychologyI grew up between cultures, and for a long time I felt I had to be quiet, pleasant, and easy to love. Psychology helped me understand how many women are taught to abandon themselves in order to be accepted. My work is about self-worth, emotional boundaries, and helping women stop shrinking themselves to keep peace.
- Mirela HartmannPhD in Experimental PsychologyMy background is in Experimental Psychology, so I have always been interested in why people repeat the same emotional patterns, even when those patterns hurt them. In my own life, I also had to learn the difference between being understanding and overgiving. Today, I write about relationships, attachment, and the quiet power of choosing yourself.
- Seraphina ValePhD in Clinical PsychologyAfter many years as a clinical psychologist, I have seen women survive heartbreak, divorce, grief, motherhood, loneliness, and new beginnings. What I know for certain is this: strength is not about becoming hard. It is about finally listening to yourself. My writing is for women who are ready to heal with dignity, clarity, and self-respect.