“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.”
Abuse comes in many forms. Verbal abuse, which is a form of emotional abuse, strips a person’s self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Constant threats, rejection, and name-calling are dehumanizing and leave the victim feeling alone, isolated, and unworthy. Silent treatments are extremely uncomfortable for a verbally abused person. He or she feels they are walking on eggshells in fear of some type of confrontation or argument. Verbal abuse leaves scars that never go away.
The emotionally abused person constantly wonders what he or she did wrong. In childhood, the victim might be overly shy to avoid conflict or be indecisive when it comes to making decisions later in adulthood. To counteract fear, shame, anger, and other disturbing emotions, the victim might turn to drugs or alcohol to numb these feelings, which allows them to feel temporary calmness and peace. Emotional abuse and trauma are often the root of addiction.
Joe Koelzer and colleagues wrote about addiction and mental health for PsychCentral, and stated,”The underlying core issues that drive substance abuse are mental and emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness.” Also, “Emotional abuse is tied to mental health conditions such as depression, and mental health conditions are tied to substance addictions.”
When a person feels hurt and powerless on an emotional level, they are at high risk to use. In 2015, Steven Stosny, PhD wrote about emotional abuse for Psychology Today, and stated, “The most insidious aspect of living with an angry or abusive partner is not the obvious—nervous reactions to shouting, name-calling, criticism or other demeaning behavior. It’s the adaptations you make to try to prevent those episodes. You walk on eggshells to keep the peace, or a semblance of connection.”
Emotional abuse may have been unavoidable in childhood, but as an adult, you can decide what types of relationships to keep in your life and choose your connections. Mental health conditions, substance abuse, and addiction are treatable. Do not wait. Get help today.
Cypress Lake Recovery offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
