4 Damaging Effects Of Emotional Abuse And How To Heal

From constantly walking on eggshells to feeling anxious, toxic relationships can make life hell. Learn more about the long term effects of emotional abuse on future relationships and how one can heal from it.

Emotions can be taken for granted, twisted and preyed upon by others. That’s right, just like physical and sexual abuse, it’s just as damaging, maybe even more so. I guess it’s hard to imagine why someone would want to be emotionally abusive, but that’s a tale for another day. So, what kind of person thrives in these actions?

Narcissists are often the antagonist in an emotionally abusive relationship. This is because those with this personality trait disregard their partner’s feelings, and always fight to be in control. But they’re not the only ones responsible. Sometimes, otherwise normal individuals are emotional abusers.

effects of emotional abuse

For the most part, this form of abuse goes unnoticed by those outside the relationship. The damage can last for years, even for life. Lingering effects, although sometimes dormant, can be subtle, and difficult to recognize.

Few long term effects of emotional abuse and how to deal with it

1. Physical Scars

Dealing with emotional abuse for a long period can lead to physical issues. A continuing rise in heartbeat and increased breathing can put strain on the lungs and heart, not to mention cause headaches and stomach aches as well.

It’s a sad fact, but emotional abuse can even shorten your life. These long-term effects can be seen in diseases, not so much caused by abuse but nurtured from the effects of the abuse. The best way to heal physically from emotional abuse is to keep active and eat nutritious meals. These actions can reverse some of the detrimental effects of the abuse.

Read What Is Emotional Abuse? How To Know if You Are Being Abused

2. Denial

Because emotional abuse is so manipulative, it has layers of reality. This makes the victim of abuse suffer from denial. As children, denial is not so prevalent, but as adults, denial of emotional abuse happens when the victim excuses the actions of the mental aggressor.

Abuse, to the victim, feels like something they deserve, and creates the highest form of denial. This often leads to more abuse and the inability to get away from the situation.

effects of emotional abuse

It’s important to understand that individuals outside the relationship can recognize manipulative actions. If only a few moments are spent listening to someone else’s opinion on your relationship, you could break free from the abuse.

3. Lack of Trust

Emotional abuse has the power to destroy trust, but If you can get away from this toxic situation, you have a chance of starting something new. Unfortunately, new relationships, beginning after the dissolution of an abusive relationship, could suffer from the lack of trust.

It’s hard to trust someone new when your ex-boyfriend destroyed your faith in other human beings. The only way to come back from this and give someone new a chance is to walk by blind faith. It’s difficult, but a few small steps could change your life.

Read 6 Painful Ways Emotional Abuse Changes You

4. Low Self-Esteem

Another way that emotional abuse changes a person is by breaking down self-confidence. Once the self-confidence is low, the abuser can do even more damage by manipulation. If you feel ugly or dumb, you can be convinced of many other degrading labels.

When you feel like you’re losing your identity, take it back immediately. Tell your aggressor no and stand your ground. The best and most successful way to illuminate any long-term effects of loss of self-confidence is to be tough and take a chance. Most times abusers use empty threats and will retreat from growing confidence.

Emotional abuse can be a nightmare. It’s devastating. Although you feel trapped, however, there is always a way out. As with physical abuse, taking the first step is the hardest part. So, never let anyone manipulate you and always educate yourself on the right way to treat your loved ones. After all, you must decide what you are worth and accept nothing less.


Lingering Effects of Emotional Abuse and Ways to Heal
4 Lingering Effects of Emotional Abuse and Ways to Heal

Published On:

Last updated on:

Sherrie Hurd

Sherrie is a freelance writer and mother of three. She spends most of her time lost in the curiosities of the mind, while learning more about herself. Here she finds solace and a desire to share her daily learning experiences with others. After all, discoveries never cease, and neither does the human spirit.

Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

Leave a Comment

Today's Horoscope

Latest Quizzes

Music Taste Quiz: Find Out Your Strongest Personality Trait

Music Taste Quiz: The Music You Like Can Reveal Your Strongest Personality Trait!

Whether you’re the life of the party with a pop playlist, or a deep thinker grooving to jazz, your choice in music can say a lot about who you are.

Latest Quotes

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June part one

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June Aries (March 21 – April 19)Tangible progress on home & wellness goals. A heartfelt reset in family matters or living arrangements. An unexpected insight around 27th may reshape how you handle emotional security or finances. Taurus (April 20 – May 20)This is the week to act on long-held…

Readers Blog

Caption This Image and Selected Wisepicks – 22 June 2025

Ready to unleash your inner wordsmith? ✨??☺️ Now’s your chance to show off your wit, charm, or sheer genius in just one line! Whether it’s laugh-out-loud funny or surprisingly deep, we want to hear it. Submit your funniest, wittiest, or most thought-provoking caption in the comments. We’ll pick 15+ winners to be featured on our…

Latest Articles

From constantly walking on eggshells to feeling anxious, toxic relationships can make life hell. Learn more about the long term effects of emotional abuse on future relationships and how one can heal from it.

Emotions can be taken for granted, twisted and preyed upon by others. That’s right, just like physical and sexual abuse, it’s just as damaging, maybe even more so. I guess it’s hard to imagine why someone would want to be emotionally abusive, but that’s a tale for another day. So, what kind of person thrives in these actions?

Narcissists are often the antagonist in an emotionally abusive relationship. This is because those with this personality trait disregard their partner’s feelings, and always fight to be in control. But they’re not the only ones responsible. Sometimes, otherwise normal individuals are emotional abusers.

effects of emotional abuse

For the most part, this form of abuse goes unnoticed by those outside the relationship. The damage can last for years, even for life. Lingering effects, although sometimes dormant, can be subtle, and difficult to recognize.

Few long term effects of emotional abuse and how to deal with it

1. Physical Scars

Dealing with emotional abuse for a long period can lead to physical issues. A continuing rise in heartbeat and increased breathing can put strain on the lungs and heart, not to mention cause headaches and stomach aches as well.

It’s a sad fact, but emotional abuse can even shorten your life. These long-term effects can be seen in diseases, not so much caused by abuse but nurtured from the effects of the abuse. The best way to heal physically from emotional abuse is to keep active and eat nutritious meals. These actions can reverse some of the detrimental effects of the abuse.

Read What Is Emotional Abuse? How To Know if You Are Being Abused

2. Denial

Because emotional abuse is so manipulative, it has layers of reality. This makes the victim of abuse suffer from denial. As children, denial is not so prevalent, but as adults, denial of emotional abuse happens when the victim excuses the actions of the mental aggressor.

Abuse, to the victim, feels like something they deserve, and creates the highest form of denial. This often leads to more abuse and the inability to get away from the situation.

effects of emotional abuse

It’s important to understand that individuals outside the relationship can recognize manipulative actions. If only a few moments are spent listening to someone else’s opinion on your relationship, you could break free from the abuse.

3. Lack of Trust

Emotional abuse has the power to destroy trust, but If you can get away from this toxic situation, you have a chance of starting something new. Unfortunately, new relationships, beginning after the dissolution of an abusive relationship, could suffer from the lack of trust.

It’s hard to trust someone new when your ex-boyfriend destroyed your faith in other human beings. The only way to come back from this and give someone new a chance is to walk by blind faith. It’s difficult, but a few small steps could change your life.

Read 6 Painful Ways Emotional Abuse Changes You

4. Low Self-Esteem

Another way that emotional abuse changes a person is by breaking down self-confidence. Once the self-confidence is low, the abuser can do even more damage by manipulation. If you feel ugly or dumb, you can be convinced of many other degrading labels.

When you feel like you’re losing your identity, take it back immediately. Tell your aggressor no and stand your ground. The best and most successful way to illuminate any long-term effects of loss of self-confidence is to be tough and take a chance. Most times abusers use empty threats and will retreat from growing confidence.

Emotional abuse can be a nightmare. It’s devastating. Although you feel trapped, however, there is always a way out. As with physical abuse, taking the first step is the hardest part. So, never let anyone manipulate you and always educate yourself on the right way to treat your loved ones. After all, you must decide what you are worth and accept nothing less.


Lingering Effects of Emotional Abuse and Ways to Heal
4 Lingering Effects of Emotional Abuse and Ways to Heal

Published On:

Last updated on:

Sherrie Hurd

Sherrie is a freelance writer and mother of three. She spends most of her time lost in the curiosities of the mind, while learning more about herself. Here she finds solace and a desire to share her daily learning experiences with others. After all, discoveries never cease, and neither does the human spirit.

Leave a Comment

    Leave a Comment