A lot of people think that emotional abuse doesn’t have a big impact on the victim because it doesn’t leave the same physical scars as other forms of abuse. However, victims of emotional abuse can suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other issues as a result of what they’ve gone through. Here are some steps that you can take to help you recover from the effects of emotional abuse.

Get counselling

Emotional abuse can really change the way you feel and think about yourself and the world. That’s why it’s important to get professional help so you can not only talk about your feelings, but get on the path to healing. You can contact the POWA counselling line on 076 694  5911 or reach out to Lifeline on 0861 322 322 for free counselling. Help is available for you, Choma, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Embrace your support system

Experiencing abuse can sometimes make you believe that you’re on your own, but this is not the case. You can reach out to people around you who care about you and can offer a shoulder to cry on. Remember, that reaching out for help doesn’t make you weak. You are not to blame for the abuse and you deserve to have supportive people around you who show you love. If you’re afraid to talk to people around you, you can always chat to me.

Prioritise your healing

Prioritising yourself means working on your healing and investing in self-care. This doesn’t have to be expensive or too time-consuming – it can be something as simple as taking walks once a day, taking up a hobby, getting your nails done or pampering yourself at home. Show yourself some love and work on connecting with you on a deeper level.

Acknowledge your feelings

Dealing with the effects of the abuse can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to go through these different emotions and be patient with yourself. Remember, nothing is wrong with you – you’re recovering from a traumatic situation and deserve some time to heal.

Surviving emotional abuse is traumatic and although walking away from the abuser is the first and biggest step towards healing, the process doesn’t stop there. Give yourself the time, patience and effort to recover from the abuse and lean on the people who care about you to help you through it.

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).