Abuse
Abuse is the improper usage of excessive treatment for a bad purpose. It can come in many forms such as physical or verbal maltreatment, assault, violation, crimes, etc. Abuse in the early stages of life can make a significant and long lasting impact on an individuals’ wellbeing for the rest of their lives. There are mainly four types of abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. Abuse victims often lose their sense of self-worth and are unable to recognize themselves and build healthy relationships with others (often due to the lack of trust). Substance use can be developed for many individuals as a solution to problems. Many people will choose to stay silent, which can lead to development of depression, self-harm, and other health issues.
Signs of Abuse
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Sudden emotional changes
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Feeling extremely insecure
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Bruises and/or scars all over the body
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*Unfortunately, sexual assaults/abuse and emotional abuse are difficult to tell. In this case, consulting professional help is recommended.*
Different Coping Strategies/Treatment:
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Language: Many patients diagnosed with abusive tendencies were unable to put their feelings into words. However, staying silenced about it will only lead to more destruction and even death. The first step to coping with the experience is acknowledging what happened to you and communicating your experiences with others through therapy, sharing, and discussions. Writing to yourself through journaling is an alternative if you don’t feel comfortable enough to share your experiences with others. Understanding our inner reality will allow us to alleviate the effects of abuses and to prevent further sufferance and confusions.
2. Forgiving yourself: Understand and recognize that it is NOT your fault to be abused in any shape or form. Avoid thinking “what if I……” or “if I have done this differently….” to yourself. We can not change the past, but we can shift our focus and move towards the future.
3. ​Rebuild relationships: It is never too late for anything, and this includes rebuilding relationships. Make meaningful relationships with friends, family members, your therapist, other people that you may have ignored before, and most importantly-yourself. Recognize that rebuilding relationships with others can be a difficult process, but it is definitely significant for your mental health and wellbeing. Rebuilding the relationship with yourself means recognizing your self-worth, noticing your inner chatter, self-acceptance, and surrounding yourself with positive and loving influences.
WORKS CITED
Abuse | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/abuse. Accessed on 03 November 2021.
“Identifying the Different Types of Child Abuse”. CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, 27 August 2015, https://casaspeaks4kids.com/identifying-different-types-child-abuse/.
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