Whether you’re in a relationship with a significant other in California or you’re struggling with family members and friends, one type of abuse that can sometimes be difficult to understand is emotional. This type of abuse might or might not involve physical actions but often overwhelmingly involves damage to your mental state. The following are a few signs to note.
Criticism
One of the signs associated with emotional abuse, as it relates to domestic violence, is that the other person will tend to judge you or highly criticize you throughout the day. This could range from humiliating you in front of friends and family to making embarrassing jokes.
Possessiveness
While it might make you feel good to know that someone else cares about you and wants only you, this can sometimes be a type of abuse if it becomes possessive. The other person might control who you talk to or what you do during the day. They might always call you or make sure you’re available when they need to see or talk to you.
Manipulation
A common aspect of emotional abuse is manipulation. This is an attempt to influence you through fear, intimidation, or coercion. You could question yourself, which could lower your self-worth. It could also include denying things that you know are true that have been said and done in order to make the other person look better.
When emotional abuse is involved in any relationship, it can sometimes be difficult to notice until your mental state is depreciated to the point of depression. Seeking help through mental health counseling and support groups can be a helpful step in reclaiming your autonomy.