What is emotional abuse?
Maintaining a happy relationship is no small feat. Everyone has disagreements, and everyone experiences difficulties from time to time. But if your partner seems constantly argumentative or anxious, there could be signs that something more sinister is going on. Emotional abuse treatment helps professionals in mental health connect with clients faster. Plus they have the advantage of working from home while managing multiple clients simultaneously – all through Calmerry’s online therapy services! Earn extra income while creating a healthier work-life balance with Calmerry’s online therapy offerings!
Physical abuse is well-known, but emotional abuse tends to be less well-known. This isn’t due to a lack of definition but rather that it was less discussed historically – until recently.
- It is essential to recognize that emotional abuse can be just as destructive as physical abuse.
- Abuse is abuse, period. It’s that simple.
- If you believe you may be suffering from emotional abuse, it is essential to reach out for assistance immediately.
Emotional abuse does not just occur within romantic relationships. It can occur in any type of connection, whether it’s with family or friends. Today we’ll explore what emotional abuse looks and feels like in a romantic setting.
What are the signs and symptoms of emotional abuse?
Manipulating someone can be an art, and emotional abuse can often go undetected. This is particularly true in relationships that begin as intoxicating, obsessive loves that may feel great at first. To gain your approval in these early stages of a relationship, your abuser may use flattery or love bombing techniques to gain your acceptance; however, things will start to change rapidly after that point.
Below, we have listed a list of warning signs to watch out for:
If you feel guilty or like you’re always walking on eggshells, an emotionally abusive person may use guilt-tripping as a tactic to control others. You might experience mood swings or unpredictable behavior that leaves you confused as to what went wrong; have an enjoyable evening with friends only for it to turn into silence afterwards.
Your partner may be controlling with money in an attempt to help you out. This may start as a small gesture, such as providing advice about managing finances. But over time it could escalate into something more severe; money might be withheld from you or left out of major decisions; they might try to limit your freedom by keeping you from finding employment; thus increasing their dependence on you.
Their actions do not always match their words. While they may profess to love you, their actions don’t always reflect that sentiment. If words aren’t followed by action, the declaration will remain empty.
You are verbally attacked or ridiculed by them. What began as lighthearted fun quickly takes on a darker tone when arguments escalate.
They might dictate what you can and cannot do, leading to jealousy that could cause you not to want to spend time with others. They might also try to dictate your appearance by ordering you to change your hairstyle or cut it short; thus creating an unpleasant environment for yourself and those around you.
They lie, also referred to as “gaslighting”, is an abuse technique in which the abuser denies facts in order to confuse you or question reality.
They refuse to take responsibility. All confrontations end in apology. Your partner wants to label you the “bad” person or the one with “issues”.
They can be extremely impulsive when confronted with an issue. If you try to express your thoughts and worries, they might become highly frustrated and become extremely angry. They might also start crying or accuse others of being bad people – both tactics that put you in a position where it feels uncomfortable to bring up anything.
They possess a different charm when around others; it’s quite different when you’re alone.
Spending time alone can make you feel more at ease and like “you,” even when your partner isn’t present. Take a day or evening all to yourself to explore yourself without the demands or threats from those close to you.
What are the warning signs of an abusive relationship?
When we fall in love or welcome a new partner into our lives, changes can take place. It’s normal to experience the “Honeymoon” phase of a relationship; we may spend less time with friends during this period. After the honeymoon period ends, however, it’s usually easier for us to reenter society and our social circle again.
You should be concerned if your friend seems to have “fallen off the face of the Earth” or you notice changes in their personality. Signs that someone may be emotionally abusive can often be subtle, especially at first. Due to how complex emotional abuse can be, it’s unlikely they’ll open up about what’s going on.
Social withdrawal can indicate someone is withholding from their friends/partners, not spending enough time together, and constantly calling when apart. Low self-esteem (sudden changes in appearance or body language, etc.) are other signs that someone may be struggling.
These signs could indicate a need for understanding. Acknowledge that it can be scary to trust someone enough to discuss abuse with them, so urge them to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.
What causes abuse?
Abuse can occur for many reasons, though none are always one cause. Usually, it’s a combination of several elements working together.
Abusive behavior can be learned. It’s possible for someone to experience abuse as a child, witness it firsthand and then decide to perpetrate it upon another later in life.
It is essential to recognize that abuse does not go unpunished. Those who have experienced such horror will do everything possible to prevent others from experiencing similar pain and suffering.
Abusive behavior is an option. It stems from a desire for control over others and to undermine our inherent equality as human beings. Abusive behavior should never be accepted.
Many people in abusive relationships blame themselves. They may feel like they deserve this behavior or blame themselves for entering the relationship, but this type of abuse has the purpose and nature to chip away at one’s self-esteem.
Let us be clear: being the victim of emotional abuse does not make you weak. Anyone can become involved in an abusive relationship and should never be expected to accept destructive or abusive behavior from another individual. Understanding this reality is essential in finding appropriate support and healing services.
What therapy can do to assist with emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse can have devastating results on your quality of life. Over time, it may lead to various mental health issues like anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression.
If you are in an abusive relationship, it can be hard to trust family and friends for help. Therapy offers a safe space where all issues can be discussed without judgment or condemnation, helping you take the best steps forward. Many people who have suffered long-term emotional abuse find it hard to trust again; therapy can address these concerns so you can move on with life without guilt, shame or terror.
