7 Ways to Know You’re In A Mentally Abusive Relationship

Pay Attention

Shutterstock.com

Mental abuse, commonly referred to as psychological or emotional abuse, is a form of abuse that involves exposing or subjecting a person to a behavior that may result in psychological trauma. Because it is so elusive, often the person who is facilitating the abuse and receiving it may not even know they are in an abusive relationship.

While this form of abuse doesn’t leave physical scars, the emotional scars are real and long lasting. These scars can cause major damage to the person involved in the abuse, lowering that person’s confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. Many people, whether they’re outsiders or maybe the person directly being abused, do not recognize the abusive relationship signs. Over and over again, they’re left to pick up the pieces and usually justify why the abuse is happening. Sometimes the abused are so engulfed within the situation, that they are in denial and do not recognize what is actually taking place.

Here are seven ways to know you’re in a mentally abusive relationship. If your partner is exhibiting any of these patterns and behaviors, it’s time to walk away and seek out the help you need to heal.

Control

Shutterstock.com

Mentally abusive relationships are all about control. A mentally abusive partner wants to constantly feel like they are dominating the people they are with and the relationship they are in. You will begin to feel infantilized, feeling like you have to ask for permission to be involved in normal activities. They need to feel like they are manipulating you successfully and this comes through the act of control. Controlling partners will do things like block you in the room while the two of you are arguing until they feel like you understand the irrational point they are trying to make. They also want to control your emotions. They will be all over you if you said you would be somewhere at a certain time and are a minute late, following it up with put downs and accusations.

Unreasonable and Uncontrollable Jealousy

Shutterstock.com

While a little jealousy is normal to most relationships, unreasonable and uncontrollable jealousy isn’t. This form of jealousy really tears at the relationship, causing unnecessary problems and excessive drama. The person receiving the abuse often experiences a series of emotions including anger, depression, frustration and despair, and may feel like they can’t ever make the person they’re with happy. Mentally abusive partners want you to believe they are lashing out because they love you more than anyone else would or could, but this is just another tactic to maintain control. Does this sound familiar? Are you in an abusive relationship or know someone that is?