Emotional abuse and the psychological harm that comes with it are seen too often in the United States, as nearly 50% of people will experience it in some way.
Relationships are crucial to human well-being. But emotional abuse can warp the friendly and loving relationship into something poisonous and completely different in and of itself.
You deserve relationships that will lift you up, encourage you, and support you. Thriveworks Columbus understands that if you’re a survivor of emotional abuse, relationships aren’t as natural as they were before and may even feel impossible. The emotional abuse counselors at Thriveworks Columbus are here to walk with you as you heal and grow, taking back the happy, fulfilling life you deserve. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or hearing more, you can reach us at (614) 515-6291.
What Is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse leaves scars that aren’t physical: they’re emotional, spiritual, and mental instead. This doesn’t make it any less harmful than more physical types of abuse.
Emotional abuse is also difficult to spot because it is so often a slow decline. A relationship rarely starts out abusive, and if there are signs, they’re easily covered by the newness of the relationship. Then, slowly, things start to go wrong. An abuser starts framing their words as helpful and necessary. They’ll slowly convince you that they are always right. Emotional abuse may start out as passive and subtle, making it easy to brush aside each worsening offense.
Thriveworks Columbus understands the strength and courage it takes to look at a relationship and label it as abusive. It is a question that is plagued with doubts, even in the direst of circumstances. Part of the poison of an emotional abusive relationship is how tangled up our own thoughts and emotions are in it.
There are some solid signs you can look for in your own relationships or the relationships of a loved one. An emotionally abusive person will:
- Control money and spending
- Constantly belittle you or point out flaws
- Accuse you of things you never did
- Use silent treatment as punishment
- Control who you see or where you go
- Make hurtful jokes
- Objectify you
- Use guilt as a weapon
Of course, an emotionally abusive person can use a lot more tactics against you. All of them come back to the central idea of control. They will seek increasingly amount of control in all areas of your life.
Emotional abuse isn’t limited to romantic relationships, either. Friends, coworkers, a boss, and family members can all be emotionally abusive. Any relationship that has the potential to uplift also has the potential to push down. This is a scary thought, but there are many ways to defend yourself. And, Thriveworks Columbus wants to remind you that loving, caring relationships are out there. Even if you have gone through emotional abuse, this is not the end for you. You can heal. You can grow stronger. You can take back the life you’ve dreamed of.
How Can Emotional Abuse Affect People Long-Term?
Abuse is never okay. But the effect of abuse can be even more devastating the longer the abuse occurs. Nothing is irreversible, and healing is always possible. If prolonged abuse has occurred, there might be lasting implications such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Other symptoms of being in an emotionally abusive relationship include:
- Constantly putting the blame on yourself
- Chronic low self-esteem
- Difficulty voicing personal concerns and feelings
- Hyper vigilance and anxiety
- The feeling that nothing you do will ever be enough
- Distrust in the validity of personal memories and perceptions
Emotional abuse is something no one deserves to go through. The path back to health and well-being can be long and hard, but it is possible. Thriveworks Columbus will be with you every step of the way.
What Does Emotional Abuse Therapy Look Like?
It takes immense courage and strength to reach out and ask for help, especially after going through emotional abuse. It is that strength and courage that will bring you through this storm and into the freedom you deserve. Thriveworks Columbus has seen it time after time.
The first step of healing from emotional abuse is getting out of any emotional abusive relationships you might be in. It is often a terrifying step, but a crucial one. Columbus counselors will be there to support and guide you the whole time.
After that, every counseling session will be individualized to your unique personality, situation, and goals. Every person is unique, and so should their counseling! We might work on coming to terms with what was done to you, discuss coping methods, and talk about tips to building healthy relationships. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (614) 515-6291.
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