Adverse childhood experiences are classified as a form of childhood trauma that can increase our chances of significant mental and physical health problems later in life. Adverse childhood experiences may take the form of parents divorcing, family violence, verbal or physical abuse, a family member’s terminal illness, sibling bullying,…
People don’t sever family relationships casually; it’s usually a long, painful process of recognition and internal struggle. Family estrangement is often caused by the negative behavior patterns of toxic parents, which can include manipulation and mockery. The decision to cut off toxic parents is a heavy burden, and it brings…
Any kind of abuse—whether it be physical, emotional, mental, sexual, etc.—can lead to PTSD, as abuse is a highly emotionally distressing experience. The overactivation of stress hormones causes the victim of abuse to experience a fight, flight or freeze response, which makes it near impossible for the individual to focus…
Many people have close relationships with their parents — in fact, some consider their mother or father their best friend. But that isn’t always the case. There’s a less fortunate narrative: Some people hate their parents. They don’t just lack that connection or disagree with their parents from time to…
Verbal and emotional abuse are often used interchangeably, but while they might overlap, they are two different forms of abuse with distinct characteristics. Verbal abusers use language to hurt another person; this might involve speaking aggressively or violently, or it could mean not saying a single word. A few common…
Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and complicated—especially when there is a child involved. Victims of the abuse might feel uncertain about what to do in these situations, but the short answer is always the same: leave. To go into greater depth, the victim should do what they can…
Abuse often has short-term and long-term effects on those who fall victim to it, as it is a seriously distressing experience. Life can alter in a few ways, after the abuse; for example, one might have trouble trusting future partners or avoid romantic relationships altogether. Additionally, one can experience a…
Abuse is never the victim’s fault; however, the way that you respond to abusive behavior might signal to your partner that the abuse is okay. First, if you allow your significant other to spew condescending comments at you, they’ll continue to do so; it’s important that you put your foot…
Friendships can be abusive and you can spot the abuse by simply learning to listen to your inner self. You can tap into your inner self by paying attention to bodily sensations: which might be a tightness or heaviness in the chest, for example. Now, to understand how you feel…
Violent relationships are never okay, but is it possible for them to get better? That depends on if it’s characterological violence or situational violence. Characterological violence is rooted in controlling and dominating behavior; this form of abuse is often innate and unchangeable, which means the relationship is likely unsalvageable. Situational…
Bullying and harassment are similar in that the perpetrator hurts or harms their victims and typically without remorse. That said, there are differences between the two such as why the perpetrators engage in the abusive behaviors. Bullies typically seek a feeling of power or control, which they get from demeaning,…