Warning: In this topic we’ll be talking about mental abuse.

   What is emotional abuse? Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, is a pattern of toxic behavior perpetuated by a parent that causes a child to experience emotional distress, harms their self-worth, and affects their development.

   According to the “World Health Organization” globally, it is estimated that 1 billion children from the ages of  2-17 years have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or been neglected in the past year. 

     There are many types of emotional abuse such as talking down to the child, dismissing the child’s feelings, blaming the child for their own, humiliating their child, rejecting their child, getting angry at the child often, and gaslighting the child.Emotional abuse may not leave some type of physical mark but it can leave emotional scars. Emotional abuse can deeply harm children. It can affect them for a long time even after the abuse stops.  Symptoms can range from difficulty paying attention, low attendance at work or school, mental health conditions to acting out at some times, insomnia or nightmares, aches and pains that affect their body, and relationship issues with people including but also outside of their family.

   Unfortunately, emotional abuse can be difficult to recognize and even harder to confront. It can often be disguised as “tough love” or concern, making it easy for parents to justify their behavior. However, it is important for parents to understand the impact of their words and actions on their children, and to seek help if they struggle with managing their own emotions and behavior.

    There are resources available for parents who struggle with emotional abuse, including therapy and support groups. It is never too late for a parent to seek help and make positive changes for the benefit of their children.No one deserves to be emotionally abused, and seeking help is the first step towards healing and finding healthy, supportive relationships.