The 12 invisible effects of psychic abuse
Psychological abuse is often the most difficult type of abuse to recognize because their scars are not visible to the naked eye. Unlike physical and sexual abuse, it does not leave marks, wounds or other physical evidence.
On the other hand, psychological abuse can occur in different areas of life: couple, family, school (bullying), work (mobbing) ... Regardless of where this phenomenon manifests, the long-term effects can be long-lasting, invisible, devastating and can even accompany the affected person for the rest of their lives, especially if the abuse occurs at an early age or is not treated by a professional. of mental health.
- Related article: "The 9 types of abuse and their characteristics"
Invisible effects of psychic abuse
But... What are the invisible consequences of psychic abuse? What negative effects does psychological abuse have on the victim? In the following lines you can find the answers to these questions.
1. Low self-esteem
The low self-esteem of the victim can be in many cases the trigger of this type of abuse, especially in relationships, where a great emotional dependence can be manifested when people value themselves in a negative way. But low self-esteem is also a consequence that the abused person can suffer.
According to an investigation that was published in the Journal of Emotional Abuse in 2005, the result of this situation, self-confidence and self-worth of people who are victims of psychological abuse becomes negative.
Psychological abusers frequently focus on the weakness of the victim, constantly attacking her without mercy. Be it your physical appearance, your weight, your intelligence ... The abuser constantly repeats the message that the victim is worthless .
- Related article: "10 keys to increase your self-esteem in 30 days"
2. Anxiety and stress
Another of the investigations of Journal of Emotional Abuse concludes that people suffering from psychic abuse present high levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress . Much of the manifestation of this symptomatology is rooted in the victim's denial of reality.
Many people who suffer this form of abuse are not even aware that the damage they suffer is not their fault or part of the natural development of their day to day, it is more stealthy and more difficult to detect than physical abuse. In fact, it can even be difficult to consider filing a complaint.
3. Sleep problems
Another consequence of psychological abuse is the instability of sleep , which is often associated with anxiety and stress, and may even manifest with nightmares. The same study concludes that the denial and helplessness of victims of psychic abuse can cause sleep disorders.
- Maybe you're interested: "Nightmares and night terrors: differences and similarities"
4. Loneliness
The victims of psychic abuse tend to suffer a great tendency to loneliness and isolation. For example, in the case of couple relationships, the abuser can try to cut off the communication that the victim has with his family , and in cases of bullying or mobbing, the victim usually suffers damage to his reputation, because the abuser makes sure that this is the case. The isolation and loneliness, further aggravates the situation and makes it difficult to put an end to the problem.
5. Feeling guilty
It is possible that the victim, finding herself alone and having low self-esteem, ends up blaming herself for what is happening, and it is not at all strange that the harasser also conducts behaviors that have as their objective that the abused person self -sults . For example, in cases of psychological abuse in the couple, a phenomenon called emotional blackmail often occurs, in which the victim is easily manipulated.
6. Depression
Without a doubt, it is very frequent that people who are victims of psychological abuse end up suffering from a depressive state . And it's nothing strange considering that their self-esteem is seriously damaged, that they are in a lonely situation and that they are constantly suffering from a traumatic situation.
7. Suicidal ideation
Depression and the situation of abuse can often lead to suicidal ideas . In recent times, for example, a voice of alarm has sounded because of the cases of bullying that occurred in some schools.
8. Substance abuse
Substance abuse can also appear in people who are victims of psychic abuse, as it is a way to avoid facing reality and is another form of denial . It is also frequent that this phenomenon manifests itself in adulthood when individuals have been victims of psychological harassment of children.
9. Excessive aggression
On other occasions, the rage and anger felt by some people who have suffered this type of abuse they can cause the appearance of excessive aggressiveness. Especially in children victims of abuse, this aggressiveness can accompany them for the rest of their lives.
10. Difficulty with other interpersonal relationships
A study published in the Journal of Emotional Abuse affirms that people who are victims of psychic abuse have serious difficulties to have healthy interpersonal relationships . The reason for this is that their trust in others is diminished, and many are unable to have close emotional ties with other individuals.
- Related article: "The 30 signs of psychological abuse in a relationship"
11. Emotional Mutism
The suffering suffered by victims of psychic abuse is such that they have serious difficulties expressing their emotions . Sometimes because of shame and sometimes because the suffering of the psychological siege to which they have been subjected has resulted in losing confidence in other people. The impossibility of expressing feelings is known as emotional mutism or alexithymia.
12. Psychosomatic disorders
Emotional mutism and stress can often cause a series of psychological and organic disorders. One of them is the psychosomatic disorder, which is characterized by a physical symptomatology that is believed to be caused or aggravated by mental factors . The negative states of mind that we do not express can inhibit or activate organic systems that maintained over time can give rise to this type of disorder.
