Emotional abuse is when one person in a relationship uses their power in the relationship to shame, blame, criticize, frighten, belittle, or control another person. This may happen through words and/or behaviors. It may start small, and escalate over time. Emotional abuse is highly correlated to other types of abuse, but can also occur as the only form of abuse in the relationship.
All relationships have conflict at times. Emotional abuse is far from normal conflict and involves an imbalance of power and an attempt to control.
Experiencing emotional abuse can have serious consequences for the victim/survivor. The effects can range from internal (such as depression) to external (such as difficulties in interpersonal relationships).1 The type of effects depends on many variables, including, but not limited to, the individual’s own constitution and resiliency, the abuse experienced, the victim’s past experiences, and their support system.
Dealing with emotional abuse, both during and after the relationship, can be tremendously difficult. Emotional abuse can erode your sense of self, making it harder to trust your own judgment. Help from a mental health professional is key.