According to Learning Mind, anxiety is a mental health problem which can arise from abusive behavior and traumatic experiences as well as verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is demeaning and disrespectful. It refers to being called names, being yelled at because another person is upset, etc. Even though a lot of people may overlook this particular form of abuse, it is more common than you think.
Verbal Abuse & Its Dangerous Effects
Regardless of whether it is cyber bullying, domestic abuse, or bullying, verbal assaults are often considered to be the worst form of abuse because they have a negative impact on the left and right brain hemisphere and can impede the developmental processes going on in the brain.
Science Confirms the Unhealthy Effect of Verbal Abuse
Scientists observed the brain of study participants aged 18 to 25 and found a distinction between people who experienced anxiety and depression and those who did not. Those who struggled with anxiety were also former victims of verbal abuse. And, they were victims of verbal abuse in middle school, a period when the brain is developing the most.
Verbal vs. Emotional Abuse
Verbal and emotional abuses are very similar, as explained on Learning Mind. Namely, when a person is being verbally abused, his/her emotions are being hurt. Even when used passively, some words can have a very negative effect on one’s emotions and level of self-esteem. And, if this goes on for a prolonged period of time, it may interfere with one’s quality of life, including relationships, work, etc.
At a specific point, anxiety may begin to develop and soon, it will become an uncontrollable response to changes in life that would otherwise be considered normal.
Short-Term Impact of Verbal Abuse
- Poor decision making
- Difficulty communicating
- Low self-esteem
- Low enthusiasm
- Overanalyzing situations
Here are the long-term effects:
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Chronic ache
- Digestive problems
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- PTSD
- Suicide
How to Recognize Verbal Abuse?
- Name calling
Name calling is something verbal abusers use to make you do what they think is right by installing fear in you.
- No apologies
Abusers never admit that they are wrong, even when they are proved so. Not winning will mean that they are losing control. They will therefore use phrases like “forget about it”, “just drop it”, etc.
- Isolation
The abused individual will often resort to isolation from other people, including friends and family. They believe that isolation will help them have complete control of actually doing what they want and not be judged.
- Does not care about your interests
Abusers often attack the things the victim enjoys or loves doing. They will degrade you for it, no matter what it is. An abuser is never fond of the things the victim is interested about.
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