Have you ever been in a situation when someone’s words or actions repeatedly made you feel bad about yourself? If so, you may have experienced psychological harassment.
This is abuse that can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It can happen in any relationship. And it’s hard to recognize because it often starts slowly and builds with time.
However, it can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health and well-being.
The good news is you can recognize the signs and heal from emotional abuse. Here are several steps to help you do just that.
Pay Attention to How You Feel
There are certain signs of abuse you can look out for. You may feel you’re walking on eggshells, or that you can’t do anything right.
You may feel you’re going crazy, or that you’re having self-doubt. Or you may notice physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
Your emotions can give you insight into what’s going on in your life. If you’re feeling bad, something probably isn’t right.
Decide How You Want to Handle the Behavior
If you’re being emotionally abused, it’s important to decide how you want to handle the behavior. You may choose to confront the person who is abusing you and ask them to stop.
Or you may decide that this isn’t possible and instead walk away from the situation. You could also tell an authority figure and let them handle it.
Whatever you do, taking steps to stop the abuse is important. If you don’t, it can continue and even get worse.
Find Healthy Ways to Cope
Healthy coping strategies are ways to deal with stress and other negative emotions. You could:
- Write in a journal
- Do something creative
- Go for a walk or run
- Listen to music
These strategies can help you feel better and make it easier to handle difficult situations. They can also help you build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations.
Focus on Healing
It’s important to remember that healing takes time. You may have good days and you may have days when you are feeling ashamed about what happened.
It’s a good idea to go to individual therapy. Or join a support group for people who have been through similar experiences. Talk with someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you work through your feelings.
Prevent the Behavior From Happening Again
Preventing the behavior from happening again is an important part of healing. Treat others with kindness and respect, and encourage others to do the same.
Speak up against bullying and harassment, and report any incidents to an authority figure. By promoting inclusivity and empathy, we can prevent psychological harassment from happening at all.
Psychological Harassment: Regain Control Over Your Life
Psychological harassment can leave you feeling powerless and isolated. If you’ve been the victim of psychological harassment, it’s important to regain control over your life. By taking these steps, you can begin to heal and move forward.
Honor Your Emotions teaches clients how to move through life’s struggles and into the next positive stage of their lives. If you are struggling with psychological harassment, contact us today.
