Recovering from Emotional & Verbal Abuse: Healing and Support

Verbal and emotional abuse often has a devastating effect on self-esteem, especially if it's inflicted on someone very young. Taunting, name-calling and public embarrassment, whether it be from peers, coworkers or family members, can lead to depression, insomnia, eating difficulties and even suicide. It sometimes takes years to fully recover from long-term emotional abuse, depending on the circumstances, the age of the victim and how long the abuse was endured. Recovery requires dedication, patience and the assistance of others.

Instructions

• 1

  Remove yourself from the abusive situation, if possible. It's much more difficult to overcome abuse when you're still in regular contact with the abuser.

• 2

  Speak to a therapist. Professional guidance is often beneficial in both working out issues stemming from the abuse and in heightening your self-esteem.

• 3

  Focus on activities that you enjoy. If you like playing music or drawing, focus on those pursuits to add enjoyment to your life. Depression can lead you to stop doing things you like, so returning to those activities will help alleviate stress and improve your self-esteem.

• 4

  Seek out social situations in which you'll meet new people. Meeting new friends and developing healthy social relationships can assist you in your emotional recovery.

• 5

  Keep a journal. As with therapy, it'll help you vent your feelings in a healthy and constructive way.