The Truth About Emotional Abuse:
What It Is and How to Cope
Emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that is often overlooked. It may not be as visible as other types of abuse, but the effects are no less devastating. If you have been in an emotionally abusive relationship, you probably have some unanswered questions. The good news: you are not alone and there is help available! Read on for more about it.
Why is emotional abuse so difficult to spot?
You might be experiencing a lot of confusion and self-doubt, which can make it difficult to see things clearly. An emotionally abusive partner will often use your insecurities and fears against you, making you believe that the abuse is your fault. They may also try to isolate you from friends and family members so that you have no one to turn to for help and support. This can further complicate your ability to spot the signs of abuse.
The effects of emotional abuse
The person who is suffering from this type of mistreatment will likely begin to feel unaccepted by others. They find that they have difficulty forming healthy and lasting relationships. It is very common for these people to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety as a result. They may have low self-esteem or feel as though they lack confidence. There are also some physical effects: headaches, stomach problems or insomnia.
3 signs you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship
If your partner is regularly putting you down or criticizing you, it is a sign that they do not care about you. They are trying to make you feel unworthy of love and respect.
If your partner tries to control everything that you do, including the people you see and talk to. They are trying to isolate you from others. This is a sign that they do not trust you. Besides, they do not have enough love for themselves to be secure in the relationship.
If your partner regularly makes you feel guilty for things that you have no control over. It can be a job, family, or health. They are mistreating you.
3 ways to cope with emotional abuse
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but below are some general tips that may help.
Recognize the abuse and know that it is not your fault. You did not cause it and you cannot stop it on your own. You do not have to go through this alone. There are support groups and therapists who can help you to identify the abuse and begin to heal from it.
Establish boundaries. Inform the emotional abuser they are not allowed to yell at you or be disrespectful to you. If they keep engaging in this behavior, say the dialogue will end or you will go away.
Prioritize yourself and take care of your needs. Do not be concerned about satisfying your abusive partner and do something that will help you feel better.
To sum up, it takes time to recover from emotional abuse. Self-care, contacting your encouraging family members, and consulting a therapist can all be helpful. This article has provided you with the knowledge about emotional exploitation. Now, all you have to do is take steps in order to recover from it.
This article is written by a therapist from Sensera – a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems). Download Sensera now to become happier!
