How Much Damage Can Verbal Abuse Do to Your Self-Esteem?

Verbal abuse is not always the obvious loud andIt is oh so easy to just pretend nothing is going
shouting kind, with clearly meant open mean andwrong at all. Verbal abusers are often the quiet ones.
cruel insults being made. Verbal abuse can also beThe ones you would never think would do anything
more subtle. The type that takes its tool over alike this. Charming in public yet frightful at home. The
period of time that gradually builds up the pressuredream couple on the outside but far front it on the
until your self esteem crumbles. You may hearinside. The problem with this subtle verbal abuse is
shouting from your neighbours, things like "every daythat your inner critic starts belief the reaffirmed daily
for two years you have just keep going on aboutverbal abuse. Inside you believe it to be true so start
the same thing".acting in the manner the abuser is telling you. The
This doesn't create visible bruises or black eyes, itmore control is surrender and the stronger the feeling
eats away at your core until your lose your identityof worthlessness, incompetence and lack of self
and control of your life. This creates a furtherbelief.
problem that as no one can see it, you become toThe worst thing about it all, is the abuse is just
embarrassed or ashamed to say anything. You keepplacing their own insecurities on to you. They are
it to yourself, bottling it all up. Or you are doing isgiving you their baggage so they don't think they are
adding power to the abuser strength and controlcarrying it. The moment you refuse to carry it, the
they have over you. The scars begin to run deeper.moment you will regain some self esteem.