6 Symptoms That You Are A Victim Of Verbal Abuse
When we hear the word “abuse,” we automatically think of physical aggression. However, verbal abuse can also occur. While it leaves no visible signs of harm, a victim of verbal abuse can suffer just as much damage as a victim of physical abuse.
Invisible Signs You’re a Victim of Verbal Abuse
Due to the lack of visibility, it is difficult to tell if someone is a victim. Therefore, you should be alert to the following symptoms.
1. You’re even scared if you’re not yelled at
We may mistakenly think that verbal abuse is synonymous with yelling, but that is not always the case. In reality, the verbal or psychological abuser tends to manipulate and make the victim doubt themselves.
The abuser may even use a kind and loving voice. That’s why you need to remember that just because someone isn’t displaying aggressive behavior doesn’t mean they aren’t using abuse. Threats can also be present, explicit or implicit.
Do you feel concerned about what the other person will do if you refuse something? Are you afraid of the reaction to your comments all the time? Do you formulate each word carefully and perform each action with care so as not to disturb the other?
2. They compare you to others or blame you for everything
We all want to respect our authenticity and accept ourselves as we are. However, verbal abuse often undermines our self-esteem through comparisons and guilt.
No one likes to hear that another person is smarter, prettier, or better when accompanied by a tone of reproach, ridicule, or cruelty. Listening to this every day puts a big dent in our self-confidence.
- You should leave the situation you are in as soon as you see the problem.
- Remember that no one has the right to make you feel inferior under any circumstances.
- Drawing a comparison often creates a feeling of guilt. It’s normal for someone who mistreats you to make you feel guilty over even the smallest of things.
3. You feel intimidated all the time
You may find yourself a victim of verbal abuse if you feel intimidated around that person.
This signal can be very subtle, ranging from jokes and disparaging remarks to inappropriate language that hurts your self-confidence.
It goes without saying that harassment can reach disturbing levels and you may end up being forced to do something you don’t want to or consider humiliating.
4. It seems like they are constantly accusing or questioning you
The direct attacks resulting from the violent person’s lack of a sense of security and trust are another sign of verbal abuse. In general, this lack of confidence is associated with low self-esteem, which makes you think deeply about each of your moves and actions.
- It is possible that these interrogations and accusations are divided, so you need to be on the lookout to discover when the situation arises.
- A common mistake is to start explaining so that your own fear decreases. The problem is that the situation will worsen over time.
5. You have negative changes in your mood
As human beings, everything around us has an effect on us. Therefore, being a victim of verbal abuse can lead to several consequences, which we can identify if we pay close attention.
- Try to be aware of your mood when you are around other people: can you distinguish those that make you feel happy? And the ones that wear you out?
If you identify that there is a person who just causes a constant feeling of discomfort, be it sadness or some other discomfort, it is time to avoid them.
- Sometimes it’s hard to recognize that someone has the ability to influence you, but it’s better to accept it and distance yourself.
- Something very important is paying attention to what you feel. However, this may be beyond your expectations as these people are usually very subtle in their abuse.
If it’s your partner or someone you love, you should try to be objective so you can discern what’s causing the damage. Based on that, you determine what steps you will take to improve your situation.
6. You are abusing someone else
People learn from the behavior they see. Unfortunately, in the case of abuse , many of the victims of verbal abuse also become perpetrators themselves.
For example, a child who grows up in an environment where his parents cannot control their emotions may become a verbally aggressive adult because he has not learned how to control his feelings.
Of course, there are ways to break this vicious circle. In this case, it is recommended to seek a specialist. This can help you deal with the abuse you have suffered. It can also give you guidelines for building healthy relationships.
Stand up to verbal abuse
Recognizing and accepting that you are a victim of verbal abuse is not easy. Remember that your well-being depends on the attention you give to the situation you are in.
Before you think about how people around you will react or other factors, remember that your biggest concern is yourself.
