Episode Details

The long term effects of emotional abuse in marriage are different for every woman. Here are 6 long term effects and 3 way to overcome them.

6 Long Term Effects of Emotional Abuse In Marriage

1. Low self-esteem and self-worth due to constant manipulation or criticism.
2. Anxiety and depression caused by prolonged emotional distress.
3. Confusion of not being able to make progress with your goals because your husband is exploiting and undermining you.
4. A sense of isolation and loneliness from emotional invalidation.
5. Chronic stress, which may lead to physical health issues like fatigue or headaches.
6. Post-traumatic stress symptoms, including inability to sleep and flashbacks.

1. To Heal From The Long Term Effects of Emotional Abuse, Learn What Type You’re Experiencing

Did you know there are 19 types of emotional abuse? To discover which types of emotional abuse your husband is using to exploit you, take this free emotional abuse quiz.

2. To Avoid the Long Term Affects of Emotional Abuse, Get The Right Support

Many women report that couple therapy or addiction recovery only escalated their husband’s emotional abuse.

It’s important to get the right support. Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Sessions are the best way to get validating support from women who understand. All Betrayal Trauma Recovery staff has been through it.

3. The Abuse Will Escalate During A Crisis, So Prepare Now

Emotional abusers escalate during a crisis because it’s the perfect time to assert control. If a victim is desperate and scared, she’s less likely to set boundaries.

One of the long term effects of emotional abuse is not realizing how much danger you’re in. In a crisis, an abuser may feel a lack of control. As a result, his controlling behaviors may escalate.

Protect Yourself From Emotional Abuse Long Term

When abusers use controlling behavior to abuse their partner, it looks like:

• Taking away her privacy
• Coercion (including sexual coercion)
• Verbal abuse, including yelling
• Physical intimidation
• Shaming the victim if she does anything he doesn’t want her to do
• Becoming overly dependent on the victim
• Dictating the victim’s choices and not letting her make decisions
• Starting arguments over trivial matters

While some crises may limit your access to domestic abuse shelters, professional help, and seeking a new place to live, women can always find support on the online by attending a Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Session.

What Boundaries Can I Set When I Can’t Leave My House?

In the event of natural disasters, pandemics, or other large-scale crises, women may wonder what boundaries they can set to separate themselves from abuse when they can’t physically separate from their abuser. Here are some ideas:

• I will call 9-1-1 immediately if I feel physically threatened by my partner.
• I will not have sex or sleep in the same room as someone who is abusive to me.
• Seek daily support if I am not able to leave the home during a crisis.
• I will make a safety plan so that as soon as the crisis is over, I can avoid the long term effects of emotional abuse.

Transcript: How To Overcome The Long Term Effects of Emotional Abuse In Marriage

Anne: It’s just me today. I wanted to talk about the long term