What is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse is a form of abuse that is often overlooked, yet it can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior in which one person uses tactics to manipulate, control, and demean another person. Emotional abuse can occur in any type of relationship, including romantic relationships, family relationships, and friendships. In this blog post, we will explore emotional abuse in relationships, including its signs, effects, and how to seek help.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can take many forms, and it can be challenging to recognize. Here are some signs of emotional abuse in a relationship:
Constant criticism: A partner who is constantly criticizing and belittling you may be emotionally abusive. They may criticize your appearance, intelligence, or abilities, and make you feel inadequate.
Isolation: An emotionally abusive partner may try to isolate you from your friends and family. They may discourage you from spending time with others, or make it difficult for you to do so.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which a partner tries to make you doubt your own perceptions, memory, or sanity. They may deny things that happened, or make you feel like you are crazy for feeling a certain way.
Controlling behavior: An emotionally abusive partner may try to control every aspect of your life, including what you wear, where you go, and who you talk to. They may also monitor your phone, email, or social media.
Manipulation: Emotional abusers often use manipulation to get what they want. They may use guilt, threats, or other tactics to control your behavior.
Verbal abuse: Verbal abuse is a form of emotional abuse in which a partner uses words to hurt, humiliate, or degrade you. They may use insults, name-calling, or sarcasm to make you feel bad about yourself.
Withholding affection: An emotionally abusive partner may withhold affection or emotional support as a way of controlling you. They may also use affection as a reward for good behavior.
Blaming: An emotionally abusive partner may blame you for their problems or the problems in the relationship. They may refuse to take responsibility for their own actions and instead shift the blame onto you.
Effects of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can have many negative effects on a person's mental and emotional health. Here are some of the effects of emotional abuse:
Low self-esteem: Emotional abuse can make you feel like you are not good enough, which can lead to low self-esteem. You may begin to doubt your abilities, appearance, or worth as a person.
Anxiety and depression: Emotional abuse can lead to anxiety and depression. You may feel anxious or depressed because of the constant criticism and belittling from your partner.
Isolation: Emotional abuse can make you feel isolated and alone. You may feel like you cannot talk to anyone about what is happening in your relationship.
Self-blame: Emotional abuse can make you feel like you are to blame for the problems in the relationship. You may begin to believe that you are not good enough, and that you deserve the abuse.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Emotional abuse can cause PTSD, which can lead to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
How to Seek Help
If you are experiencing emotional abuse in a relationship, it is essential to seek help. Here are some steps you can take to get help:
Talk to a trusted friend or family member: Talk to someone you trust about what is happening in your relationship. They can provide emotional support and help you come up with a plan to leave the abusive relationship.
Seek therapy: A therapist can provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space to talk about your experiences. They can also help you develop coping strategies and work through the effects of emotional abuse. Our therapists here at Fortis Counseling are specifically trained to work with couples going through these experiences. Learn more about our couples counseling resources here.
Contact a hotline: There are many hotlines available for people experiencing emotional abuse. They can provide you with support and resources, including information on how to leave an abusive relationship.
Create a safety plan: If you are planning to leave an emotionally abusive relationship, it is important to create a safety plan. This may include finding a safe place to stay, packing a bag with essential items, and having a plan for how to leave quickly if necessary.
Consider legal options: If the emotional abuse has turned into physical abuse, or if you feel unsafe in the relationship, consider seeking a restraining order or other legal options.
Conclusion
Emotional abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental and emotional health. If you are experiencing emotional abuse in a relationship, it is important to seek help and support. Remember that you are not alone, and that there are resources available to help you. By taking action and seeking help, you can break the cycle of emotional abuse and move towards a healthier and happier future. If you need help finding support, we are here for you. Contact us today.