email
print
Verbal abuse
From CopperWiki
Verbal abuse victims normally suffer in silence and isolation as this kind of abuse doesn't leave evidence comparable to the bruises of physical battering. Nevertheless, verbal abuse is as damaging to a person's psychological state as physical abuse is to one's body.
Contents |
[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
All forms of verbal abuse have a detrimental effect on an individual. As a result of the abuse an individual is left with lower self esteem and feels depressed, insignificant, and frustrated. Recognizing verbal abuse for what it is, is the first step in overcoming it.
[edit] Verbal abuse and health
Verbal abuse can leave long-term emotional scars. Verbal abuse is likely to cause one or more psychological or medical illnesses such as anxiety disorders and various forms of depression. They may develop substance abuse disorders.
In case of severe abuse the victim may develop a post-traumatic stress injury such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or acute stress disorder. In cases where abuse started at a very early age, a personality disorder may occur (such as borderline, narcissistic, or histrionic personality disorders or in some cases, a severe dissociative disorder such as dissociative identity disorder (commonly known as multiple personality disorder). Sexual disorders are also common. Verbal abuse also leads to poor self-esteem.
[edit] All about verbal abuse
Not all words used in verbal abuse are abusive words. Even in the guise of caring deeply for you, an abuser can damage your self-esteem.
Broadly, types of verbal abuse can range from name calling and span across different acts such as denial or trivialization of a partner’s experience, accusing, blaming for “wrong doing”, to withholding of one’s dreams, thoughts, feelings from one’s partner. More direct forms of abuse include abusing, judging or criticizing, aggressively blocking further discussions and threatening.
Verbal abuse from parents can cause psychiatric problems in children in later life. To determine the consequences of verbal abuse on children, researchers from the Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, found a phenomenon known as limbic irritability, which include brief hallucinations and visual disturbances. These symptoms, similar to those experienced by people during a seizure, are dramatically influenced by a person's history of abuse.
[edit] What can I do?
If you are verbally abused and finally comer to terms with the idea that you are being abused, you need to get help. Here are some steps you can take:
- Never believe that you are at fault
- Inform the abuser that his behavior is unacceptable to you.
- Seek counseling. If joint counselling is not possible go for it yourself.
- Discuss with family and friends what's happening and take their advice and help.
- Avoid conflict with the abuser. Either stay calm or walk away. Reacting to the abuser is letting him know that he has power over your emotions.
[edit] CopperBytes
- Most abusers are adept at convincing their victims that the abuse is their own fault
- People who experience both verbal abuse and physical abuse in a relationship say that the verbal abuse is the worst.
[edit] References
- The types of verbal abuse
- Identify and Respond to Verbal Abuse
