How To Overcome PTSD From Emotional Abuse

Experiencing emotional abuse can be damaging to a person’s mental health, often leaving behind effects that persist long after the abusive incidents. It's not just physical violence that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological harm can be just as harmful. 

Prolonged stress from constant criticism, intimidation, or manipulation may lead to PTSD or a related condition known as complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Unlike the sudden and acute trauma usually linked to PTSD, C-PTSD typically comes from constantly experiencing distressing situations that can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Therefore, it can be helpful to identify the effects of these experiences to find appropriate support and prevent potential complications. Often, therapy is a crucial part of overcoming trauma and treating PTSD.

Struggling to recover from emotional abuse?

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Forms of emotional abuse and its impact on mental health

Emotional abuse in an abusive relationship can develop in various ways and may deeply affect someone's mental health and well-being. It usually involves ongoing actions or words that seek to undermine a person’s self-worth or integrity, often occurring over an extended period.

Emotional abuse can take several forms:

• Verbal abuse: This can include yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Language can be used as a weapon to cause emotional pain.
• Rejection: Constantly rejecting, dismissing, or belittling a person's thoughts, feelings, or experiences can be considered emotional abuse.
• Gaslighting: This can occur when the abuser manipulates facts and events to cause targets to question their realities, memories, or sanity.
• Isolation: This generally refers to restricting someone’s freedom and controlling their interactions with others to increase dependency on the abuser.
• Intimidation: Intimidation can involve threats, overbearing behavior, or body language meant to control someone’s actions.
• Controlling behavior: This can refer to monitoring someone’s movements, reading their messages, or dictating their physical appearance and life choices.

Those who experience this kind of abuse may find themselves in an emotionally abusive relationship that wears away their independence and confidence over time. The effects of such an environment can lead to long-term psychological challenges, as the individual's emotions, thinking, and behavior are often severely affected. These forms of abuse can encompass harmful relationship habits that may need to be managed to prevent lasting damage.

Emotional vs. physical abuse

The impact of abuse on mental health and PTSD development

Both forms of abuse generally require professional attention and can contribute to a range of associated conditions. While the abuse may differ in expression, the potential for developing PTSD and other mental health challenges can exist across both types of abuse.

How PTSD can develop from emotional abuse

Post-traumatic stress disorder typically arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that causes significant distress and negatively affects daily life. The chronic state of stress and fear after the event can break down a person’s sense of security, potentially leading to PTSD. 

Survivors may continually relive their emotional pain and experience intrusive thoughts or memories of the abuse. Over time, this can result in an increased state of anxiety and a continuous expectation of danger. Emotional abuse can be especially harmful as it often goes unnoticed by others, sometimes leaving individuals to endure silently. This lack of recognition can worsen feelings of isolation, complicating the journey to recovery.

While some people may develop PTSD from emotional abuse, others might experience different types of emotional and psychological challenges. Recognizing these signs can be key for healing and obtaining appropriate support.

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD is a subtype of PTSD that usually comes from enduring long-term traumatic events. It can often be linked to emotional abuse. Unlike standard PTSD, C-PTSD may arise from prolonged exposure to social or interpersonal traumas, in which an individual may have little chance of escape.

Signs and symptoms of C-PTSD include the following:

• Difficulty with managing emotions, often resulting in explosive anger or persistent sadness
• The development of beliefs related to helplessness, guilt, or shame
• Persistent distrust and avoidance of relationships or building close bonds with people
• An enduring sense of threat or worry regarding the perpetrator

Once the signs and symptoms are noticed, individuals can seek the appropriate treatment. The absence of timely and adequate treatment may result in serious long-term effects:

• Severe challenges in personal relationships
• Greater risk of substance misuse or other mental health conditions
• Complex physical symptoms that interfere with daily functioning

While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) does not directly recognize C-PTSD as a separate diagnosis, the term tends to be widely used in clinical practice to differentiate from PTSD and personalize treatment plans.

Other mental health challenges linked to emotional abuse

Emotional abuse can lead to or worsen several mental health conditions beyond PTSD. Below are some common conditions associated with emotional abuse:

• Anxiety disorders: Targets of emotional abuse often live in a state of constant worry and fear. This can develop into an anxiety disorder, in which individuals may experience overwhelming anxiety that doesn't go away and can worsen over time.
• Depression: Those who experience emotional abuse may develop depression, which is usually characterized by deep sadness and a lack of interest in life. It can be a serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD): Emotional abuse can trigger BPD, a condition normally marked by severe emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and intense episodes of anger and anxiety. People with BPD often have difficulty managing their emotions and maintaining stable relationships.
• Substance use disorders: To cope with the stress and pain of abuse, some may turn to substances or alcohol. This can lead to substance use disorders, in which the use of substances becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities.

Strategies for healing from post-traumatic stress disorder

Acknowledging the need for help to heal from PTSD may be difficult. However, various treatment options can effectively manage symptoms and improve emotional well-being. One or more approaches may be recommended, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Engaging with professionals to overcome PTSD from emotional abuse

Psychotherapy can be a crucial part of treating PTSD. Mental health experts can provide tailored therapy options, which often include the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy can help individuals recognize and alter negative thought patterns.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR can assist in processing and integrating traumatic memories.
• Group therapy: Sharing experiences with others can foster solidarity and support.

Considering medication options for post-traumatic stress disorder

Sometimes, medication may be an add-on to therapy for managing certain symptoms of PTSD from emotional abuse.

• Antidepressants may reduce symptoms of sadness and anger. 
• Anti-anxiety medications may lessen anxiety and stress. 
• Sleep aids may improve disturbed sleep patterns.

It can be important to discuss options with a healthcare provider to manage potential side effects and find the most effective medication. All of the above medications must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor.

Implementing self-care routines

Self-care can be key in the healing process and can often be incorporated into daily life through simple practices:

• Taking a relaxing bath
• Regularly exercising
• Prioritizing sufficient sleep
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation

Building a support system

Having a supportive community can be invaluable for recovery. You might consider:

• Reconnecting with friends and family
• Participating in community activities or support groups
• Seeking out peer support resources

Healing from emotional abuse can be a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for everyone. It can be helpful to explore various strategies and find what works best.

Struggling to recover from emotional abuse?

Speak with a licensed therapist online

Finding support online to overcome PTSD from emotional abuse

Online support can be a valuable resource for those living with the effects of emotional abuse and PTSD. By providing accessible care, virtual therapy sessions may offer flexibility for individuals who might otherwise face barriers when seeking traditional face-to-face counseling.

Online therapy for PTSD

A study on the effectiveness of online therapy indicated that participants typically experienced significant improvements in complex PTSD symptoms, suggesting that online therapy could be an effective alternative to in-person sessions.

Online platforms like BetterHelp can match individuals with licensed therapists. In general, BetterHelp considers the user's specific needs and preferences to find a compatible therapist who can provide ongoing support and guidance for their unique situation. The platform supports various communication methods, including online chat, phone calls, and video sessions.