How to Recover From Verbal & Emotional Abuse as a Child

The effects of emotional abuse can linger for years after the abuse has stopped, but recovery is possible. Emotional abuse includes enduring repeated acts of cruelty, belittling, neglect, criticism or verbal abuse. The oppressor may have been your mother, father or some other pivotal figure in your life. Any kind of abuse is traumatic and warrants attention if it is impacting you today. Make recovery a priority in order to lead an unbounded life.

Instructions

• 1

  A mental health professional will support and guide you through the healing process.

  Determine if counseling is necessary. It's tempting to avoid dealing with uncomfortable feelings, but suppressing your past won't make the problem go away. If memories of the trauma are impacting your relationships or work, counseling may facilitate your recovery. Group counseling or individual therapy are both effective.

• 2

  Journal your thoughts, either on paper or on your computer. Writing therapy is used by psychologists because the process assists clients in recasting their personal stories. Start by writing about your childhood and what you endured. Then, rewrite a second version, but this time, make yourself the hero of the story. The idea is to empower yourself by highlighting the courage and strength it took to carry on.

• 3

  Supportive friends guard against depression.

  Socialize more frequently. While many victims of childhood abuse tend to turn inward, cultivating friendships will bring balance to your life. As you heal, seek joy and fun so that optimism becomes second nature. By viewing the universe as a benign force rather than a cruel one, you'll gradually mend old wounds. Make new friends by taking a class, joining a book club or trying out a new hobby. Recovery is about reviewing your past while forging ahead with your future.

• 4

  Nurture your talent and take pride in your gifts and abilities. Everyone has at least one special skill, so take stock of your particular aptitude and hone it. As a child, you were disrespected and demoralized; seize the opportunity to increase your sense of worth by cultivating your talent.

• 5

  Volunteer for an organization that empowers children.

  Take action to help other abused and neglected children. Whether you donate money to a local charity or volunteer at a shelter, you'll help others while helping yourself. Paying it forward will make you feel powerful. Feeling effective is important, because it counters the notion that you are still a defenseless child.

• 6

  Ease up on self-criticism. If you're seeing a professional, you'll work on your self-talk. You were berated as a youngster, but you don't need to endure it any longer. Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend -- you deserve just as much leeway.