Global Therapy

Sometimes, people wonder whether ‘abuse’ is the right term to describe any relationship difficulties they’re going through. They may feel like their partner shouts at them a lot or makes them feel bad, but think ‘abuse’ would be too ‘dramatic’ a word to use.

Emotional abuse can happen to anyone at any time in their lives. Children, teens and adults all experience emotional abuse. And emotional abuse can have devastating consequences on relationships and all those involved. Just because there is no physical mark doesn't mean the abuse isn't real and isn't a problem.

Because emotional abuse is often subtle, it can be difficult to detect. Yet, emotional abuse slowly erodes your self-confidence and sense of self-worth. In the end, you may start to feel psychologically dependent on the person who is emotionally abusing you.

Emotional abuse often changes how you perceive yourself. As a result, you may experience changes in your self-esteem, ability to regulate emotions, and thought patterns.

For instance, people who are emotionally abused tend to be negative and pessimistic, particularly when it comes to the future or their goals. They also may avoid social situations or feel like they are unworthy of other people's time or care.

If you feel like you’re being subjected to abusive behaviour, remember you deserve to have a voice, and you don’t deserve to be made to feel scared or small.

One of the most helpful first steps if you feel you’re in an abusive relationship is to speak to someone outside of it.