Can Emotional Abuse Lead to PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder generally associated with military combat but can affect anyone who has suffered from or witnessed a severely disturbing event.

What Does PTSD Look Like?

According to the National Center for PTSD, about six of every 100 people in the United States experience PTSD. It is more common in women than men, and more common in military service members than civilians, but genetics play a role in the likelihood of suffering from the disorder.

PTSD is thought to be a result of physical violence, but emotional abuse can be just as traumatic, causing chronic fear. For many, emotional abuse is a precursor to physical abuse, leading to a constant fear of danger. How a person deals with PTSD depends on the individual and the nature of their trauma.

Trauma that is experienced through an emotionally abusive relationship can lead to intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, reactivity, and negative mood changes. The symptoms that develop when a person feels threatened can impair their daily life and limit their ability to function.

What Does PTSD Feel Like?

PTSD is caused by experiencing, witnessing, or learning of major events such as exposure to death, serious injury, sexual violence, or the threat of death. Sometimes referred to as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue”, PTSD is typically recognized by these symptoms, which will be seen whether the trauma is physical or emotional.

• Mood changes and intense emotions – A person will be unable to remember parts of the trauma, lose interest in activities, feel detached and untrusting, and have continued negative thoughts and feelings about themselves and others.
• Intrusive memories and thoughts – Intrusive thoughts can include nightmares, flashbacks, and memories where a person feels they are reliving the trauma.
• Avoiding things that remind them of the trauma – Avoidance occurs when people stay away from things that may trigger painful memories and any reminder of the event as well as resisting talking about their feelings.
• Alterations in reactivity – A person can behave recklessly, have angry outbursts, have trouble sleeping, and have difficulty concentrating; they will be self-destructive, irritable, and easily startled; they will be suspicious of people and situations.

The National Institute of Mental Health defines PTSD as requiring all of the following symptoms to be present for at least a month in adults:

• At least one symptom of avoidance
• At least one re-experiencing symptom
• At least two mood and cognition symptoms
• At least two reactivity and arousal symptoms

Most people recover from PTSD within six months, but the disorder can last a year or longer. It often co-occurs with substance abuse, depression, or anxiety.

PTSD from emotional abuse can look the same as PTSD from other types of trauma. Emotional abuse can be prolonged, which can worsen psychological effects. Physical and emotional changes cannot be forced away, or ‘turned off,’ when someone is experiencing this condition.

Recognizing Signs of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse affects a person’s well-being and their sense of self. It takes many forms, like humiliation, cruelty, isolation, name-calling and insults, making threats, yelling, controlling behavior, gaslighting, and punishing someone who does not agree with you.

What distinguishes abuse from a simple disagreement is a pattern. Continually belittling someone, making negative remarks about their appearance, or withholding emotional connections are all signs of abuse. Emotional abuse happens in families, romantic relationships, friendships, and even in the workplace.

Identifying Childhood Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse and trauma in childhood can cause lifelong fears and phobias. Abused children often show signs of social withdrawal or regression and sleep disorders. They are more likely to engage in risky behavior like substance abuse than those who do not endure emotional abuse. In addition to mental health issues, children experiencing abuse can also manifest physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and bedwetting.

As a child gets older, they face different reminders of past trauma. Continual neglect or trauma causes children to grow up with low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and a negative outlook on life.

Identifying Adult Emotional Abuse

Symptoms of adult PTSD include insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, negative thoughts, and angry outbursts. Therapies that can help a person deal with trauma and learn coping strategies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. All of these programs work to target the symptoms of PTSD and help those struggling with emotional abuse.

What to Do Next

Healing is possible, but professional guidance is crucial. A therapist can help you understand and process the trauma, develop coping mechanisms for managing PTSD symptoms, and rebuild your self-esteem. If you’re still in an abusive situation, prioritizing your safety is essential. This may involve creating a safety plan or seeking support from a trusted friend or family member.

Beyond therapy, self-care is vital for recovery. Focus on activities that bring you comfort and relaxation, such as spending time in nature, listening to calming music, or practicing mindfulness exercises. Developing healthy habits like regular sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet will also contribute to your overall well-being.

Getting help to process your trauma is a courageous move. Mountainside is ready to help you take the first step to a happier life!