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  • Mental Health
    • Abuse
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    • Addiction & Recovery
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    • Eating Disorders
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Abuse

Abuse can take many forms — emotional, physical, sexual, or verbal. Whatever form it takes, abuse can have a profound effect on your mental health. According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, people who have experienced abuse or trauma are more likely to develop a mental health condition such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder. Many survivors of abuse experience eating disorders, drug abuse, or self-harm as they cope with its lingering toxic effects.

If you are currently in an abusive situation, it can be frightening to reach out for help, but please know that support is out there. If you are in danger, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital or police department. You can reach out for free guidance at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE). 

The effects of abuse — whether from childhood or later in life — can be enduring, but healing is possible. Usually a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups is recommended for people who have experienced abuse. Remember that you are not alone, and the abuse you suffered is not your fault.

man sitting holding head in hands
Read More
Published on: 29 Sep 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 

How to Heal from Emotional Abuse

Published on: 29 Sep 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Sep 29, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
Updated 5/5/2025 Even though emotional abuse doesn’t leave you with physical wounds, it can still cause significant damage.…
man sitting on bed with head down
Read More
Published on: 03 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

How to Heal From Narcissistic Abuse

Published on: 03 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byCynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Feb 03, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Not everyone that struggles with narcissistic personality disorder will present abusive behavior in a romantic relationship, however, in…
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Read More
Published on: 05 Apr 2021
  • 5 minute read

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Published on: 05 Apr 2021
  • Written byJill Gallagher
  • Apr 05, 2021
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and this year the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is…
hand bearing a ring on someone's lap
Read More
Published on: 11 Jul 2020
  • 9 minute read

Sexual Harassment: Not All Boundaries Are Physical

Published on: 11 Jul 2020
  • Written byClare Wiley
  • Jul 11, 2020
Updated on 4/14/21 The rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017 — a social movement against sexual abuse…
Read More
Published on: 06 May 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • 4 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

How to Identify and Address of Emotional Abuse

Published on: 06 May 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Written byJessica DuBois-Maahs
  • May 06, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
While you may not believe you are experiencing abuse if you are not being physically harmed, it’s quite…
domestic-violence-intimate-partner
Read More
Published on: 10 Feb 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

Domestic Violence: What You Need to Know

Published on: 10 Feb 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byJamie Wiebe
  • Feb 10, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Domestic violence is a serious, life-threatening form of abuse perpetuated by intimate partners. While men are more likely…
gaslighting, how to spot it
Read More
Published on: 22 Nov 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

Gaslighting in Relationships: Signs and Prevention

Published on: 22 Nov 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byReina Gattuso
  • Nov 22, 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Updated on 9/26/2022 Although the term “gaslighting” is considered a fairly modern word, this type of psychological manipulation…
Can Abusers Change?
Read More
Published on: 23 Oct 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

Can Abusers Change?

Published on: 23 Oct 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byReina Gattuso
  • Oct 23, 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
#MeToo Has Revealed the Need For Change. But one big question remains: How? The year was 1980, and…
A woman curls up next to a window
Read More
Published on: 30 Oct 2018
  • 4 minute read

Types of Domestic Violence – Signs and What You Can Do

Published on: 30 Oct 2018
  • Written byLadan Nikravan Hayes
  • Oct 30, 2018
While abuse is often stereotypically portrayed in only one manner, as physical violence, there are actually several types…
A man and a woman are silhouetted in front of a sunset
Read More
Published on: 30 Oct 2018
  • 5 minute read

Dealing With Complicated Feelings Around Abusers

Published on: 30 Oct 2018
  • Written byReina Gattuso
  • Oct 30, 2018
Recently, a man I know was outed as a serial sexual harasser. I say “know” in a rather…

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