Emotional Abuse: What is it and how to know if you are going through it?

Recognising emotional abuse in a relationship is not easy because the wounds aren't visible. Answer these 10 questions to know if you're going through it.

Verbal insults can mess up with your mind. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Emotions are an integral part of life and nearly everything that we experience. Just like the body, the mind is equally susceptible to pain, distress, and trauma. And emotional abuse is essentially any behaviour that causes harm to another organism and brings about suffering. The aftermath of abuse may be acute such as a panic attack, breakdown, suicidal thoughts, or chronic such as depression, anxiety, and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Abuse is, hence, a violation and disregard for basic human rights. It can involve several cruel, toxic, and hurtful acts which may be overt or covert in nature.

Remember that emotional abuse can come from anyone, whether it is a partner/spouse, blood relative, relative by law, or friends. If you feel you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship, there are several things you can do to get help. Always remember, that if you’ve been affected by emotional abuse, it’s not your fault and abuse is never acceptable. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported in your relationships.

Soumali Bardhan, Clinical Psychologist at Mpower the Centre, Kolkata, has developed this quiz to help you identify an emotionally abusive relationship, for HealthShots.

So, go ahead and test if you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship or not!