Time to Leave: The Effects Of Long Term Abuse No One Tells You About

The effects of long term abuse are alarming. And unfortunately, the longer the victim remains in an abusive relationship, the more extensive the effects.

Here are some of the effects victims can suffer from if they are unable to end a violent relationship.

Developing Mental Illnesses

By staying in a constant state of high arousal, the body’s chemistry begins to change. When it comes to abusive relationships, the victim is prone to developing Anxiety Disorders and Depressive Disorders, which require extensive therapy and medication to undo the damage.

In some cases, staying under constant duress and stress can impair the victim’s cognitions, causing problems like memory loss, improper processing, inability to correctly appraise situations and mood irregularities, to name a few.

Compromised Relationships With Others

Abusers can have a very detrimental effect on a victim. The victim may become increasingly isolated from their loved ones, making it harder for them to reach out when problems escalate.

They may also not be able to properly read communication cues because of the constant state of arousal, reducing their healthy sociable skills. In some cases, victims may also develop trust issues, anger problems and other emotional turbulence, which can affect their relationships.

Loss Of Self

Being in an abusive relationship is a daily war. And just like soldiers, you need trauma healing, too. However, staying in a violent relationship can continuously remind the victim of their helplessness, inability to do anything and weakness.

It can also damage self esteem and self efficacy, which can hamper the victim’s ability to carry out normal tasks like going to work, for example. In some cases, victims may also take their own lives because of their compromised perception of their situation.

Ask yourself if your relationship is worth staying in.

If you wish to speak to a trusted individual, get in touch with the Newman Kahlon Foundation