Emotional Abuse - 3 Strategies For Overcoming the Damage of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse may not be as obvious as physical, but it is nevertheless extremely damaging to the victim.
Often, the result is a feeling of low self worth, incompetence, inferiority, mental instability, and depression.
The negative energy attached can be debilitating for the victim and make counteracting the abuse and breaking away very difficult.
Here are 3 strategies for overcoming the damage caused by ongoing emotional abuse: 1.
Take good care of yourself physically.
The health of the body impacts that of the mind, and so providing a solid foundation and framework by caring for your physical body is very important.
Eat a healthy diet, take vitamins and supplements if needed (a food based multivitamin and fish oil is a good place to start), and exercise regularly, focusing on cardiovascular exercise.
Endorphins are feel good compounds that are released during periods of exercise where the heart rate is elevated and sustained.
Not only will your mood improve when you take care of your body, but your body image will improve as well, helping to raise your self esteem.
2.
Surround yourself with your loved ones, the people who are supportive and positive.
You need to have affirming messages come your way on a regular basis, to help counteract the negative programming of the emotional abuser.
When you are emotionally abused, it is extremely challenging to filter it out and not assimilate some of it into your thinking, even if intellectually you understand what is happening.
Being around others who believe in you can help you reprogram your beliefs about who you are and what is real.
3.
Minimize, or better yet, eliminate contact with your abuser.
Especially while in recovery, it is very important that you protect your vulnerable self as you emerge from the unhealthy relationship dynamic.
You are rebuilding something that your abuser will continue to want to knock down.
If you must have contact, like in arranging schedules for kids, etc, stick with the topic at hand and immediately disengage if the conversation become personal or you feel that uncomfortable, anxious, or helpless feeling that tells you that your abuser is trying to abuse you again.
If you don't like it, excuse yourself and leave or get off the phone.
You are under no obligation to suffer or to be subject to your ex's opinions of you.
Often, the result is a feeling of low self worth, incompetence, inferiority, mental instability, and depression.
The negative energy attached can be debilitating for the victim and make counteracting the abuse and breaking away very difficult.
Here are 3 strategies for overcoming the damage caused by ongoing emotional abuse: 1.
Take good care of yourself physically.
The health of the body impacts that of the mind, and so providing a solid foundation and framework by caring for your physical body is very important.
Eat a healthy diet, take vitamins and supplements if needed (a food based multivitamin and fish oil is a good place to start), and exercise regularly, focusing on cardiovascular exercise.
Endorphins are feel good compounds that are released during periods of exercise where the heart rate is elevated and sustained.
Not only will your mood improve when you take care of your body, but your body image will improve as well, helping to raise your self esteem.
2.
Surround yourself with your loved ones, the people who are supportive and positive.
You need to have affirming messages come your way on a regular basis, to help counteract the negative programming of the emotional abuser.
When you are emotionally abused, it is extremely challenging to filter it out and not assimilate some of it into your thinking, even if intellectually you understand what is happening.
Being around others who believe in you can help you reprogram your beliefs about who you are and what is real.
3.
Minimize, or better yet, eliminate contact with your abuser.
Especially while in recovery, it is very important that you protect your vulnerable self as you emerge from the unhealthy relationship dynamic.
You are rebuilding something that your abuser will continue to want to knock down.
If you must have contact, like in arranging schedules for kids, etc, stick with the topic at hand and immediately disengage if the conversation become personal or you feel that uncomfortable, anxious, or helpless feeling that tells you that your abuser is trying to abuse you again.
If you don't like it, excuse yourself and leave or get off the phone.
You are under no obligation to suffer or to be subject to your ex's opinions of you.