If you’ve been through mental abuse, you know how devastating it can be—and if you haven’t been through it, consider yourself lucky. It’s important to remember that what happened to you was not your fault. You didn’t “make” your abuser do anything, and no one deserves to have their mind twisted against their will. If someone manipulated or abused your thoughts in such a way that it caused lasting harm, then yes: That is abuse.
Nobody should have to go through mental abuse, but unfortunately, it happens to many people. If you suspect that someone close to you is being mentally abused by their partner or spouse, there are things you can do to help them. While no one can fully understand what someone else is going through, knowing the signs of mental abuse can help those with loved ones who are experiencing them know when intervention may be necessary.
If you find yourself in a situation where your friend or family member has experienced mental abuse and is showing signs of distress as a result of this experience, there are several ways in which you can support them during this difficult time listen without judgment or criticism. Often times people who have been involved in destructive relationships feel like they’re not being heard or validated by others who don’t know what it’s like on the other side of an abusive relationship; making sure that they feel safe enough to speak their mind without fear of judgment will make all the difference! Call out any comments made by others that seem insensitive towards those going through something traumatic (e.g., telling them “but everybody makes mistakes!”). It’s important not only because these kinds of things tend not only invalidate but also minimize someone else’s pain but also because sometimes just saying something out loud helps us move past it quicker than we might otherwise do so if we keep trying new things until one sticks then eventually one should definitely come along eventually–even if it takes awhile before finding one (and even then after searching for months upon months); so don’t give up hope just yet!
It is important to reach out and talk to someone when you feel like you have been mentally abused. You might want to consider talking with a family member or friend who can help support you through this difficult time. If they are not available, there are many free resources online as well as lines of communication that can assist callers in getting the help they need immediately such as hotlines or text-based services.
