Overcoming the Mental Aftermath of Abuse

by- Mandie Schreck 

Abuse Survivors turn their entire life around during the healing process, but the lasting effects of abuse can still linger. Trauma from any form of abuse, like Emotional, Narcissistic, Physical, or Sexual Abuse, can last for years after the events through the individual’s body and mind. The road to stability and optimal mental health is one of the most important journeys survivors can embark on.

Five of the most common mental conditions associated within the aftermath stages of trauma and abuse are anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder. The long-term effects can also form into fear, eating disorders, and self-injury (WomensHealth, 2018).

What are some ways individuals can work through these mental struggles?

Reclaiming your Power

Emotional Abuse Survivors commonly suffer a loss of personal power by not feeling in control of their emotions. This can have a huge impact on their self-esteem. When emotional abusers tear individuals down through threats, intimidation, and withholding affection, they can cause a lack of emotional autonomy in their victims. Their victim may have immense self-doubt, fear of speaking their emotions, and unstable mood changes (Plumptre, 2021). Practices such as journaling emotions, recognizing emotions as they arise without judgment, and speaking to a trusted source, friend, or family member can help survivors process feelings as they arise.

Recognizing Agency and Creating Boundaries

Remembering that we are only responsible for our own thoughts and actions is crucial to the healing process. We are not responsible for others’ feelings, emotions, behaviors, or beliefs. We are in full control of our thoughts, emotions, attitudes, behaviors, and choices, and acknowledging this is the first step in healing after abuse (MindWell Psychology NYC, 2020). Healthy boundaries begin and end with the individuals who create them. Ensuring we do not block out everyone can be difficult. Finding a select group of people to surround ourselves with to have open dialogue and promote healing is crucial in the mental health journey.

Repeating Affirmations for Positive Brain Chemistry

Mantras, intentions, and positive affirmations using “I am,” “I can,” and “I will” statements release chemicals to enhance physical wellbeing. (Health Care University of Utah, 2021) Repeating positive affirmations can help not only release positive chemicals but also reframe the brain. This reframing helps control emotions as they arise, allowing the individual to change “I may” and “I wish I could” phrases into positive actions that can propel them into a healthy future. Affirmations can be said daily, called upon in times of anxiety or stress, or even written down in a journal.

Making Self-Care a Priority

Prioritizing self-care is crucial to mental health and can consist of many different practices. A good night’s sleep, massage therapy, yoga, working out, and baths are some fantastic tools to bring optimal mental health into everyday life. Focusing on both moving the body and finding moments of stillness throughout the day can help reframe the brain, move energy throughout the body and mind, and carve a path to mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

We are here to support you in your personal healing journey to complete wellbeing. We bring awareness and education to 12 different types of abuse to include: Narcissism, Sexual, Physical, Psychological, Financial Child, Self, Cyberbullying, Bullying, Spousal, Elderly and Workplace and help others heal and find peace.

To learn more about ARO and to make a donation to support our life saving activities, please visit GoARO.org.

References

Abuse, trauma, and mental health. (2018, August 28). Office on Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/abuse-trauma-and-mental-health

Happiness helps: Improve your mental health with positive affirmations. (2021, January 12). Health Care University of Utah. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2021/01/love-yourself-with-kind-words.php

How to heal from emotional abuse in relationships: Therapist approved strategies. (2020, September 29). MindWell Psychology NYC. https://mindwellnyc.com/how-to-heal-from-emotional-abuse-in-relationships/
Plumptre, E. (2021, October 29).

Mental health effects of different types of abuse. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-abuse-affect-mental-health-5203897