Mind Matters: Emotional Abuse

October 21, 2012

Mind Matters:  Emotional Abuse

There are many types of abuse. Sexual abuse is horrendous and apparent that it occurred. Another type of abuse that is also horrendous, but less obvious, is emotional abuse. Because relationships exist on a spectrum, it can be hard to tell when a behavior crosses the line from healthy to unhealthy or even abusive. Emotional abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over another person. Emotional abuse usually occurs without a person being aware of it. Emotional abuse can be done by anyone in your life — a family member, friend, or co-worker. The dynamics of emotional abuse are painful and attempts to become aware (and admit) the abuse are usually ignored.

Be courageous. Take an inventory of the people in your life from your family, friends and co- workers, and take charge of your emotional well-being. Some of the signs of emotional abuse are:

- Constantly putting you down and cause you to feel “Less Than”
- Feelings of intimidation and/or insecurity without the person
- Their temper or loss of approval is scary to you
- Isolating you from family, friends, or co-workers
- Making false accusations
- Mood swings
- Hurting you continually by words and/or actions
- You can never do anything right in their opinion
- Telling you what to do and/or what to say
- Relationship swings between emotional distance and closeness
- Frequent criticism, humiliation, or undermining of your self-esteem
- Inability to discuss what is bothering you
- Need to placate the abuser
- With this person, you feel a sense of powerlessness, fear, and dependency

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