Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse can affect your mental and physical health, both now and in the future.

 If you are currently experiencing emotional abuse, you might:

• feel confused, anxious, ashamed, or guilty;
• cry often;
• feel like you’re walking on eggshells;
• feel like you have no control or always have to give in;
• try to stay in the relationship and hope the abuser will change; and
• blame yourself for what’s happening, even though the abuse is not your fault.

If the abuse is intense or lasts a long time, you might lose your sense of who you are. You may begin to think you’re not good enough or that you can’t do anything right. These feelings can make it harder to leave.

Over time, emotional abuse can lead to serious health issues. These may include, but are not limited to:

• depression;
• anxiety;
• substance use, like alcohol or drugs;
• eating disorders; and
• chronic pain.¹ 

With help and support, healing is possible. To learn where to get help, see Where can I get help for emotional and psychological abuse?

¹ This information was adapted from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, Emotional and Verbal Abuse and Effects of Violence Against Women pages