Some of the divorce cases we deal with involve domestic abuse. We have seen first-hand the emotional trauma experienced by domestic violence sufferers. Domestic abuse and mental health problems are all too common, and the journey to healing is often a long one, but not impossible. Here’s how to start the healing process…
To recover from domestic abuse and mental health problems that come with it, it’s important that you embark on a healing journey. After leaving an abusive relationship, you will need to repair the damage done to your sense of self-worth.
Freeing yourself from physical abuse is only the first step. Setting yourself free emotionally can be a much longer process. But with the right support, it’s possible.
Domestic abuse and mental health links
Domestic abuse sufferers can experience PTSD.
The damage done by domestic abuse often goes beyond the physical trauma, it can cause deep-rooted emotional issues. Various studies show a connection between domestic abuse and mental health issues. In fact, it’s not uncommon for those who have escaped an abusive relationship to display similar symptoms to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers.
You may have experienced upsetting memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and depression, which can impact your quality of life long after the abuse you suffered has stopped.
How to heal
Healing from domestic abuse and mental health issues starts with acknowledging the damage done.
Your healing journey begins with acknowledging that damage has been done, which will enable you to get the right support. Burying your experiences and not opening up about them will only add to your trauma.
Your abuser may have convinced you that the reason for their actions is all down to you. It’s not. You cannot be held responsible for their actions. Facing the damage done head on is a hard process, but a necessary first step in helping you to heal.
How to move on
Even though you have escaped your abuser, you might still have feelings of fear and anxiety. After all, you might have been with your abuser for a long time and you’re wondering what comes next. How do you go on when that constant has been removed?
To move on, you need to restore your self-belief and self-confidence so that you can live an independent life. Getting the right support will help you to overcome feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Your confidence will begin to grow, and most importantly, you will be better equipped to spot early warning signs in any future relationships. Before you enter into a new relationship, give yourself time to heal.
Forgive yourself
Domestic abuse is only ever the fault of the perpetrator.
Domestic abuse is ONLY ever the fault of the perpetrator. It has everything to do with their own insecurities and fears, which manifest in an effort to ‘control’ everything. Forgive yourself and don’t blame yourself for what happened. You MUST accept that you are not to blame.
You couldn’t have done anything differently to stop the abuse. No amount of ‘keeping your love on’, staying quiet and not shouting back or ‘doing as you were told’ would have made a difference.
The important thing to remember is that you have escaped your abuser, and it’s time to rediscover your self-worth.
