Mental abuse happens and it happens more often than you think.
The talks about mental health issues are on, mostly in elite circuits. But are we able to identify day to day happenings which cause mental health issues? Mental health issues are not isolated issues, though I will discuss that in other blogs.
Mental abuse is becoming an everyday reality. Since people are stressed more than before due to cut-throat competition everywhere to excel and be a winner, mental abuse is becoming a tactic to get whatever people want by putting another person down. Though the nature of the economy is to be blamed along with social conditions, one needs to first start realizing what is happening around them to protect themselves.
Here are 5 ways to identify if you are facing mental or psychological abuse –
- You are isolated directly or indirectly – You are sitting around with people and suddenly they start leaving? Sometimes it’s as simple as that. Other times they just stop talking when you enter and resume once you leave. The isolation sometimes isn’t even this direct, they make sure you feel the brunt of it but indirectly. It could be ranging from not inviting you to events or ignoring you after especially asking you to come. Sometimes the abuser will make you the center of attraction one moment and then drag you down to the corners in another moment. You might get cut off during conversations as if your opinions never matter.
- You are gaslighted constantly by the abuser and people around you – Gaslighting or denying that something happened or happening when it is actually happening is another abusive tactics to control the mind of the victim. For example- in an informal setting, if you complain about it, the abuser ensures to make you feel that your feelings aren’t real.
- You are often pinned down in discussions and told directly or indirectly that you have some problems – This usually happens in more formal settings where the victim’s entire identity gets questioned. Your views and opinions are shot down while others having similar views gets praised or consideration. If you try to talk to solve your problems, you are made to feel that you are the problem.
- Your words have no value for your abuser and others – Usually, your image building is done by your abuser in such circumstances. The abuser makes sure that people stop taking you seriously. Your core values are questioned, your choices are questioned. Everything about you seems just not right to them. Another vital factor is control, your abuser tries to control you and your actions to manipulate circumstances. Make sure you stay resistant and don’t let them control you. The best way is to cut down contacts with your abuser for a healthy mind.
