How to Prevent Mental Abuse

Mental abuse takes place when a person intentionally says or does something to inflict feelings of distress, degradation, anguish or fear onto another person. Mental abuse, also commonly referred to as emotional or psychological abuse, may play an important role in the development of personality.

Self-Esteem

• Being in a mentally abusive relationship can negatively affect one's self-esteem. Building self-esteem may help overcome some of the hurtful experiences and feelings associated with the abuse. An abused individual may build self-esteem by taking part in his favorite activities, and being with people who appreciate the individual.

Responsibility

• A victim of mental abuse may feel powerless to end the cycle of abuse. If you are aware that someone you know is being mentally abused, and you can confront the abuser, it is crucial that your concerns are expressed firmly and calmly. Often times, the abusive actions may recede if it becomes known that people outside the abusive relationship are aware.

Warning Signs

• If you suspect that someone is suffering from mental abuse, watch out for these warning signs: the victim is depressed, the victim becomes unresponsive or difficult to talk to, the victim fears friends and family or the victim behaves unusually in most circumstances. If these signs persist and become more severe, seek help from authorities.