Coping with Emotional Abuse: Strategies for Survivors
Emotional abuse is a pervasive and harmful form of interpersonal violence, characterized by the persistent use of verbal and non-verbal acts to control, manipulate, or undermine an individual's emotional well-being. This article aims to provide strategies for coping with emotional abuse, emphasizing self-care, seeking support, and navigating recovery.
The first step in coping with emotional abuse is recognizing it. Common signs of emotional abuse include constant criticism, manipulation, gaslighting, and belittling. Recognizing these patterns can help individuals understand their situation and seek help (Hall, 2018).
Building a supportive network is crucial in coping with emotional abuse. This can include friends, family, mental health professionals, or hotline services. Confiding in trusted individuals can provide comfort, validation, and practical advice (Loveisrespect, n.d.).
Self-care is essential for survivors of emotional abuse as it helps restore a sense of control and self-worth. This can involve engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies, and seeking professional help to address any mental health concerns (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).
Coping with emotional abuse requires understanding the situation, building a support network, and prioritizing self-care. It's essential to remember that recovery is a journey, and seeking help from mental health professionals can provide valuable guidance and support.
References:
Hall, J. A. (2018). Emotional abuse definition & examples. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/emotional-abuse-definition-examples/
Loveisrespect. (n.d.). Who can I talk to? Retrieved from https://www.loveisrespect.org/help/who-can-i-talk-to/
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Self-care: Take care of you. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/stress-management/self-care/index.shtml