From constantly walking on eggshells to feeling anxious, toxic relationships can make life hell. Learn more about the long-term effects of emotional abuse on future relationships and how one can heal from it.
Emotions can be taken for granted, twisted and exploited by others. That’s right, just like physical and sexual abuse, it’s just as harmful, perhaps even more so. I think it’s hard to imagine why someone would want to be emotionally abusive, but that’s a story for another day. So, what kind of person thrives on these acts?
Narcissists are often the antagonist in an emotionally abusive relationship. This is because those with this personality trait ignore their partner’s feelings, always fighting for control. But they are not the only ones responsible. Sometimes, normal individuals are emotional abusers.
For the most part, this type of abuse goes unnoticed by outsiders. The damage can last for years, even a lifetime. Long-term effects, although sometimes subdued, can be subtle and difficult to identify.
Few long-term effects of emotional abuse and how to deal with it
- Physical scars
Dealing with emotional abuse for a long time can lead to physical problems. A constant rise in heart rate and increased breathing can strain the lungs and heart, not to mention cause headaches and stomachaches as well.
It’s a sad reality, but emotional abuse can shorten your life. These long-term effects can be seen in diseases, not so much caused by abuse as nourished by the effects of abuse. The best way to recover physically from emotional abuse is to stay active and eat nutritious meals. These actions can reverse some of the harmful effects of abuse.
Read 6 Signs You Have The Most Toxic Relationships Of All
- Denial
Because emotional abuse is so manipulative, it has layers of reality. This causes the victim of abuse to experience denial. When children, denial is not prevalent, but as adults, emotional abuse denial occurs when the victim justifies the actions of the mental abuser.
Abuse, to the victim, feels like something they deserve, and creates the highest form of denial. This often leads to more abuse and the inability to get away from the situation.
It is important to understand that individuals outside the relationship can identify manipulative actions. If you spend just a few moments listening to someone else’s opinion of your relationship, you can be free from abuse.
- Lack of confidence
Emotional abuse has the potential to destroy trust, but if you can get away from this toxic situation, you have a chance to start something new. Unfortunately, new relationships, which begin after the dissolution of an abusive relationship, may suffer from a lack of trust.
It’s hard to trust a new person when your ex-boyfriend is destroying your faith in other human beings. The only way to come back from this and give someone new a chance is to walk in blind faith. It’s tough, but a few small steps can change your life.
Read Why You’re Only As Troubled As The Relationship You’re In
- Low self-esteem
Another way that emotional abuse changes a person is by destroying self-confidence. Once self-confidence is low, the abuser can cause more damage through manipulation. If you feel ugly or stupid, you can be convinced of many other insulting signs.
When you feel you are losing your identity, take it back immediately. Tell your aggressor no and stand your ground. The best and most successful way to highlight any long-term effects of a loss of self-confidence is to be tough and take risks. Aggressors most of the time use empty threats and will roll back the increased confidence.
Emotional abuse can be a nightmare. It is devastating. Even though you feel trapped, there is always a way out. As with physical abuse, taking the first step is the hardest part. Therefore, do not let anyone manipulate you and always educate yourself on the right way to treat your loved ones. After all, you must decide what you are worth and accept no less.
