The 12 invisible effects of psychological 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 spheres of life: couple, family, school (bullying), work (mobbing)... Regardless of where this phenomenon manifests itself, the long-term effects can be long-lasting, invisible, devastating, and can even accompany the affected person for the rest of their life, especially if the abuse occurs at an early age or is not treated by a health professional mental health.

• Related article: “The 9 types of abuse and their characteristics”

Invisible effects of mental abuse

But... What are the invisible consequences of psychological abuse? What negative effects does psychological abuse produce 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 for this type of abuse, especially in the relationships, where a great emotional dependence can be manifested when people value themselves in a way negative. But low self-esteem is also a consequence that the abused person can suffer.

According to research that was published in the Journal of Emotional Abuse In 2005, as a result of this situation, self confidence and self worth of the people who are victims of psychological abuse become negative.

Psychological abusers often focus on the victim's weakness, constantly attacking her without mercy. Whether it's his physical appearance, his weight, his 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 Journal of Emotional Abuse concludes that people who suffer psychological abuse have 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. nor is it part of the natural development of their day to day, since it is more stealthy and more difficult to detect than abuse physical. In fact, it can even be difficult to consider filing a complaint.

3. Sleeping problems

Another consequence of psychological abuse is sleep instability, which is often associated with anxiety and stress, and which can manifest as nightmares. The same study concludes that the denial and helplessness of victims of psychological abuse can cause sleep disorders.

• You may be interested in: "Nightmares and Night Terrors: Differences and Similarities"

4. Loneliness

Victims of psychological abuse often suffer from a great tendency to loneliness and isolation. For example, in the case of couple relationships, the abuser You can try to cut off the communication that the victim has with his family, and in the cases of bullying or mobbing, the victim usually suffers damage to her reputation, since the abuser ensures that it is so. Isolation and loneliness further aggravate the situation and make it difficult to put an end to the problem.

5. Guilty feeling

It is possible that the victim, being alone and having low self-esteem, ends up blaming herself for what happens, and it is not at all strange that the harasser also performs behaviors whose objective is that the abused person blames himself. For example, in cases of psychological abuse in the couple, a phenomenon called emotional blackmail, in which the victim is easily manipulated

6. Depression

Undoubtedly, it is very frequent that people who are victims of psychological abuse end up suffering from a depressive state. And it is not at all strange considering that their self-esteem is seriously damaged, that they are in a situation of solitude and that they are constantly suffering from a traumatic situation.

7. suicidal ideation

Depression and the situation of abuse can often lead to suicidal ideation. In recent times, for example, a voice of alarm has sounded due to the cases of bullying that have occurred in some schools.

8. Substance abuse

Substance abuse can also appear in people who are victims of psychological abuse, as it is a way to avoid facing reality and is another form of denial. It is also common for this phenomenon to manifest itself in adulthood when individuals have been victims of psychological bullying as children.

9. excessive aggressiveness

At other times, the rage and anger felt by some people who have suffered this type of abuse They can provoke the appearance of excessive aggressiveness. Especially in child 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 states that people who are victims of psychological abuse have serious difficulties in having 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 mental abuse is such that have serious difficulties expressing their emotions. Sometimes out of shame and sometimes because suffering from the psychological siege they have been subjected to has resulted in them losing trust in other people. The inability to express 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. Negative moods that we do not express can inhibit or activate organic systems that, if maintained over time, can give rise to this type of disorder.