| A psychologically and emotionally abusive marriage | | | | 3. Make preparations in advance. Be sure that if you |
| can feel like a nightmare. Lowered self esteem, | | | | are serious about leaving, you have a plan in place. |
| feelings of inferiority, incompetence, and being | | | | You should be sure to make copies of all important |
| trapped, as well as depression can come out of | | | | records and documents. Getting a credit card and a |
| staying in an emotionally abusive relationship if it does | | | | bank account in your own name is also very |
| not change. If you have made a decision to leave the | | | | important. The more you can move toward |
| marriage despite the compelling reasons to stay | | | | establishing practical independence, the better. |
| (shared living arrangements, finances, children, ideals | | | | 4. Gather needed professionals around you. Get |
| of commitment), there are strategies to help support | | | | referrals and/or research an attorney, a good |
| you as you make a transition away from a toxic | | | | counselor, a naturopath, a certified financial divorce |
| marriage. Here are 5 tips for leaving your emotionally | | | | planner, a divorce coach, a personal coach and/or |
| abusive relationship: | | | | other support persons who can help you transition |
| 1. Listen to yourself. If you find yourself feeling | | | | from this life to a new, empowered existence. Your |
| consistently miserable and even questioning your own | | | | network of helpers will help you successfully navigate |
| sanity when you around your partner, this is | | | | difficult times ahead. |
| something to look at more closely. Healthy | | | | 5. Keep your planning secret. You should share with |
| relationships have conflicts - but on a regular basis, it | | | | your trusted inner circle, but be sure to keep things |
| should not cause such negative feelings and self | | | | quiet around your spouse or anyone who might share |
| doubts. Verbal put downs may be blatant or subtle, in | | | | the information with him or her. If you have any |
| front of others of behind closed doors, but they are | | | | fears for your physical safety, please contact a |
| damaging. So are attempts to control your behavior. | | | | domestic violence shelter in your area, or a counselor |
| 2. Listen to trusted friends and family members. | | | | who specializes in domestic violence situations. One of |
| These are people who know you well and probably | | | | the most dangerous junctures in an abusive |
| love you best. If they are concerned about the way | | | | relationship is at the time of ending things. Better to |
| you are being treated by your partner, it is a good | | | | be safe than sorry, and consult with professionals |
| idea to listen to what they are saying. If they are | | | | who can give you guidance on creating a safe plan |
| people who you know have your best interests at | | | | for leaving. |
| heart, this is a red flag. | | | | |