Nearly 50% of people in the United Sates will experience emotional abuse in some way. It is a quiet trauma that sneaks into the best of relationships. For those who have survived emotional abuse, or those still going through it, know that there is a way out. There is hope. There are people who are willing to fight for you, lift you up, and support you.
Humans are social creatures, and relationships are crucial for us. That is why emotional abuse can be so harmful- it takes something beautiful and necessary and turns in poisonous. You deserve relationships that will add value, strength, and love to your life. But Thriveworks Middleburg Heights therapists understand that emotional abuse leaves scars that we can’t see. Healing from trauma takes time, but we will be with you every step of the way.
What Is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse is hard to spot because it doesn’t usually start as abusive. The signs start out slow, and it can be easy to convince ourselves that nothing is wrong. An abuser starts framing their words as helpful and necessary. They slowly convince you that they are always right. Introduce subtle restrictions or demeaning comments. Before we know it, we’re in an abusive relationship that we feel trapped in.
Thriveworks Middleburg Heights understand the strength and courage it takes to look at a relationship and call it abusive. We are taught to idolize relationships, to work at them, and to “stick it out” even through the hard stuff. This can cause shame and guilt when you walk away from an abusive relationship, making it all the harder to do so.
But you deserve something better. So, if you think you or a loved one is in an emotional abusive relationship, look for these signs.
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
- Control who you see/where you go
- Objectif you
- Use guilt as a weapon to get their way
These are just a few red flags to look out for in a relationship. The whole idea comes back to control. Abusers want an increasingly amount of control in all areas of your life.
It’s important to note that emotional abuse isn’t limited to romantic relationship, either. Any type of relationship- friends, family members, and even professional relationships can be emotionally abusive. Relationships involve trust, and therefore they require vulnerability. This can be a scary thought, especially if you are an emotional abuse survivor. Thriveworks Middleburg Heights wants to remind you that loving, caring relationships are out there. And while emotional abuse leaves its scars, this is not the end. You can heal. You can grow stronger. You can create the life you’ve dreamed of.
How Can Emotional Abuse Affect People Long-Term?
No amount of abuse is ever okay. But the longer abuse goes on, the more severe the long-term impact becomes. Remember, nothing is irreversible. Our brains are phenomenal organs that can heal and mend itself.
Symptoms of being in an emotionally abusive relationships include:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- 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
No one deserves to go through emotional abuse. The path back to health can be long and hard, but it is more than possible. And Thriveworks Middleburg Heights will be with you every step of the way.
What Does Emotional Abuse Therapy Look Like?
Reaching out for help takes courage and strength, especially when you’ve already been hurt by someone. But that strength and courage you used to reach out is also what will give you the power to heal. Thriveworks Middleburg Heights has seen it before, and we know you can do it.
Counseling sessions at Thriveworks Middleburg Heights will be personalized to your unique situation, personality, and goals. Everyone has their own journey, and their therapeutic plan should reflect that. Depending on this, we might work on processing your abuse, discuss coping methods, and talk about tips to building healthy relationships in the future when you are ready.
Thriveworks Middleburg Heights is here for you. When you are ready to begin your journey towards healing, you can call us at (380) 201-3145.
