Emotional Abuse Is The Real Abuse, Here’s Why

Any abusive behaviour that doesn’t include physical abuse is termed as emotional abuse. This may include verbal aggression, manipulation, humiliation and/or intimidation.

Also known as psychological abuse it results in psychological trauma, including anxiety, chronic depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Even though physical abuse is often seen as the only real form of abuse, that is certainly not true. Emotional abuse has the same long lasting impact as physical abuse. The only difference is that the scars of physical abuse are visible to the naked eye making it more prominent.

In general, a relationship is emotionally abusive when there is consistent abusive behaviour that wears down a person’s self esteem.

Emotional abuse is hard to recognise in any relationship. It not only affects a person’s self esteem but also makes them doubt their perception of reality.

The underlying goal of emotional abuse is to control the victim. At the end, the victim is trapped. They are in too much pain to stay but are also too afraid to leave. This cycle goes on until something is done.

What about physical abuse?

When in an environment of physical abuse the scars stand out. It can get noticed. That person can get help.

What about emotional abuse?

No one sees it. Emotional abuse is very subtle. It is very hard to detect. In short to know if you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship analyse how your relationships make you feel.

Never tell yourself that ‘it’s not that bad’. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

Also Read: How To Deal With Emotional Abuse?

Here are signs that you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship ;

They Invalidate You

Emotionally abusive people can invalidate you by ignoring and dismissing your feelings. Including that, they will deliberately undermine your views and perceptions of reality.

They Love To Create Chaos

Emotionally abusive people will start an argument over nothing. They will deliberately find faults in your ideals, your behaviour and your outlook. Apart from this they have serious mood swings. They behave so erratically and try to find faults with everything you do.

They Will Use Emotional Blackmail

Emotionally abusive people love to have the upper hand. They will try to manipulate you in any way possible. To ensure their superiority they might even humiliate you publicly. Using your fears and sentiments against you they will try and confuse you. They will punish you by giving you the silent treatment. By deliberately pointing out your flaws they will try to undermine you.

They Will Act Superior

Emotionally abusive people tend to act entitled. They will treat you inferiorly and blame you for their shortcomings. Apart from this, they will make jokes at your expense. No matter what you say, they will talk down to you and use sarcasm in every conversation.

They Will Control And Isolate You

To control who you see and interact with, they might monitor you digitally. They might also accuse you of cheating and being jealous of other people’s relationships. Apart from this, they can also demand to know where you are at all times. They will treat you as a possession while using jealousy as a sign of love. Eventually making it hard for you to spend time with your friends and family.

Types Of Emotional Abuse

• Baseless accusations
• Controlling the other person’s behaviour
• Constant arguing 
• Gaslighting
• Constant criticism
• Name calling
• Trivialising the other person’s feelings 
• Silent treatment
• Isolation

These are the few forms of emotional abuse. Even if your partner only does a few of these, you are still in an emotionally abusive relationship.

What is also important to remember is that emotional abuse can happen in any relationship. Be it from a parent, a friend or a romantic partner.

Also Read : How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health?