Many people don’t recognize the power in the words they speak. Words can heal or break a person depending on how they are said and who is saying them. They can be reassuring, communicate and raise self-confidence. On the other side, words can hurt, belittle and ruin self-esteem. However, verbal abuse is more than just words. It is a pattern of bad behavior intentionally meant to undermine someone. So, how do you know you are verbally abused?
Different Types of Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse is manipulative, demeaning, and meant to ridicule a person. The behavior is intentionally meant to control a person and can always lead to physical abuse and violence. It happens in romantic relationships, parent-child relationships, workplaces, etc. It is usual for people to argue, but when it falls out of character, becomes a habit, and leads to violence, it becomes abuse. Verbal abuse comes in different forms. Here are examples.
- Calling names
- Gaslighting
- Bullying
- Manipulation
- Verbal threats
- Silent treatment
- Ridicule
- Criticism
According to research, verbal abuse can affect your mental health and become the culprit of complications like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- PTSD
- Stress
- Shame and guilt feelings
Dealing with Verbal Abuse
It is crucial to recognize when someone is verbally abusing you and how it has affected you and decide if you need help. Verbal abuse will not go away by yourself. You will need to make the decision, take the first step and make the best decisions. Here is how to deal with verbal abuse.
- Seek Help
Verbal abuse has various effects. Many people fall into depression, lose self-esteem, and feel it is their fault or they are not good enough. You may have a lot of emotions going through your mind, but the best thing to do is to seek help. Your friends and family members are a good source of support. You can also get help from a skilled psychotherapist in London to learn how to cope healthily with the effects of verbal abuse and leave the relationship safely. The best thing is that you can go to their offices or choose online therapy, depending on your preference.
- Stay Safe
It is also vital to confirm that you are safe. As mentioned, verbal abuse can always lead to other dangerous situations like physical abuse and violence. Therefore, develop a safety plan to ensure you are safe.
- Spend Less Time with the Abuser
Consider spending less time with the person abusing you. Instead, spend that time with the people who love and support you. Limiting your time with the person will give you a new perspective.
- Set Boundaries
You must set boundaries and let the other person know how you expect to be treated. It may be challenging to hold the boundaries but try your best.
- Know When to Leave
Leaving is also an option if the person has refused to change their behavior. So, know when to go or stay but make this decision wisely, especially when children are involved. However, talk with your friends, family, and other people before leaving to ensure this is the best decision.
Key Takeaways
People have arguments and sometimes say things they wish they had not spoken about. However, a person can sometimes intentionally say things to hurt you and show no remorse. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize verbal abuse and how to deal with it.
