Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior in which the perpetrator insults, humiliates, and generally instills fear in an individual to control them. The individual's reality may become distorted as they internalize the abuse as their own failings.
What Is Emotional Abuse? (Plain Language Explanation)
Emotional Abuse refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Emotional Abuse
- Symptoms: The specific ways emotional abuse shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen emotional abuse
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When emotional abuse occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Emotional Abuse
- Emotional Abuse is far more common than most people realize
- Emotional Abuse is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with emotional abuse see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about emotional abuse is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing emotional abuse, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.