What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse can be hard to recognize because it encompasses behavior that we've been socially conditioned to think is normal. It also includes more subtle forms of abuse, like withholding love and affection. The most common form of emotional abuse is controlling behavior. Emotional abusers use manipulation to exert control over their partners and exploit their victims' insecurities. Another common form of emotional abuse is gaslighting—using tactics like lying or making false accusations to confuse or manipulate someone into believing they are crazy or imagining things that are not happening

Emotional abuse can be hard to recognize because it often goes unnoticed. However, emotional abusers use their victims' emotions against them by manipulating those emotions to exert control over their victims. They may do this by withholding love and affection, ignoring a partner's needs, or making unreasonable demands of the other person.

How can peer support help with depression?

If you're experiencing any of these signs or symptoms of emotional abuse, it is important to get help. Talking through your concerns in a safe, trusted setting like a peer support group can help you regain confidence, gain clarity and heal. Peer support can help you recognize the signs of emotional abuse through hearing the stories of others who have experienced a similar situation. You are not alone if you are experiencing emotional abuse.

If you experience emotional abuse and seek help, join a free peer support session today.