| If you are a victim of emotional abuse in your | | | | counselor experienced in abuse issues. The more you |
| relationship, your scars may be invisible, but they are | | | | can bring what is going on into the light of day and |
| no less real. The low self esteem, self doubt, and | | | | expose it, the more the reality of what is occurring |
| confusion that results from exposure to an | | | | can be cemented into your mind and you can be |
| emotionally abusive partner can lead to long term | | | | supported and encouraged to take action. |
| difficulties and issues such as diminished self worth, | | | | 2. Give yourself a break from interactions with your |
| depression, withdrawal, substance abuse issues, and | | | | emotional abuser. Severing contact is of enormous |
| other signs of chronic trauma and stress. If you feel | | | | benefit as you attempt to heal from your |
| that your partner is becoming violent or has the | | | | encounter(s). The less contact you have with the |
| potential to be so, listen to your instincts and work | | | | source of your confusion and pain, the better. Think |
| with an abuse issues counselor or domestic violence | | | | of it like a dam holding back water. You won't be |
| shelter to help you stay safe. In emotionally abusive | | | | able to do that until the water level is down and you |
| relationships, it is important to acknowledge that a | | | | can repair the holes. |
| traumatic event has taken place after an incident of | | | | 3. Do kind things for yourself each day. Make a list of |
| verbal or emotional abuse. Here are the last 2 of 4 | | | | small activities or indulgences you enjoy. Prioritize |
| strategies to ease the trauma of the abusive incident: | | | | yourself and send yourself the message that you are |
| 1. Talk about your experience. Join an online emotional | | | | worthy by doing at least one of these things on your |
| abuse support group, share with your trusted and | | | | list each day. |
| supportive friends and family, and speak to a | | | | |