No matter what form it takes, this bang out of abuse can have devastating psychological consequences.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
There are several red flags of emotional abuse.
When considering your relationship, also remember that emotional abuse is often subtle.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
As a result, it can be extremely hard to detect the signs.
Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, including you.
Realizing this can help you stop the emotional abuse cycle.
Unrealistic Expectations
One sign of emotional abuse is if the other person places unrealistic expectations on you.
Some examples of invalidation include:
Creates Chaos
Emotionally abusive people also tend to create chaos.
Emotional Abuse vs. Normal Conflict
Conflictis a normal part of a relationship.
When emotional abuse is severe and ongoing, you could lose your entire sense of self.
Consequently, you may begin to agree with the abuser and become internally critical.
Eventually, you maywithdraw from friendshipsand isolate yourself, convinced that no one likes you.
Here are seven more strategies for reclaiming your life that you could put into practice today.
Stop worrying about pleasing the person who is abusing you.
Take care of your needs.
Do something that will help you think positively and affirm who you are.
Also, be sure to get an appropriate amount of rest and eat healthy meals.
These simpleself-caresteps can go a long way in helping you deal with the day-to-day stresses of emotional abuse.
Then, explain what will happen if they choose to engage in this behavior.
The key is to follow through on yourboundaries.
This reinforces to the other person that their emotional abuse will not be tolerated.
Do not communicate boundaries that you have no intention of keeping.
But you are not the problem.
To abuse is to make a choice.
Stop blaming yourself for something over which you have no control.
An abusive person chooses to behave abusively.
Remind yourself that you cannot control their actions and that you are not to blame for their choices.
The only thing you could control is your response to emotional abuse.
Avoid Engaging
Do not engage with an abusive person.
Simply walk away from the situation if you’re free to.
Engaging with an abuser only sets you up for more abuse and heartache.
No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to make things right in their eyes.
Build a Support connection
It’s not easy telling others that you are experiencing emotional abuse.
But it’s important to remember that speaking up about what is happening can help.
This internet ofhealthy friendsand confidantes will help you feel less lonely and isolated.
They also can speak truth into your life and help you put things into perspective.
It will eventually take a toll on you both mentally and physically.
Depending on your situation, you may need to take steps to end the relationship.
Each situation is different.
So, discuss your thoughts and ideas with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor.
Remember too thatabuse often escalateswhen the person being abused makes a decision to leave.
So, be sure you have asafety planin place should the abuse get worse.
They may also take a stab at turn the tables and play the victim.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Healing from emotional abuse takes time.
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Dye HL.Is emotional abuse as harmful as physical and/or sexual abuse?J Child Adolesc Trauma.
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