Abused Emotionally

Emotionally abusive relationships are not all alike. However, they are all similar in certain ways. One central similarity is that emotionally abusive relationships contain a power imbalance. When one partner has more power or all of the power, it creates a situation where the other partner is vulnerable to abuse. 

In an emotionally abusive relationship, the partner who is being abused may feel powerless, depressed, anxious, or hopeless. These are all natural results of being emotionally abused. Because emotionally abusive relationships don’t leave physical marks, they can be more difficult to identify than physically abusive relationships. While emotionally abusive relationships can include physical abuse, they often don’t. Even though there may be no physical effects of an emotionally abusive relationship, it is just as difficult to recover from. 

Effects of an emotionally abusive relationship can linger long after the relationship is over. Because a central tenet is that the abused individual is left feeling powerless, dependent, and demeaned, it can be difficult for someone who has experienced emotional abuse to trust themselves and feel confident. Therapy is an important element of healing, as well as the support of people who understand what an emotionally abusive relationship can do to a person. 

Exiting a relationship that is emotionally abusive is of the utmost importance. Only then can the healing process begin. For more information, contact us or your local domestic abuse resource. Help and a better life await you.