Symptoms of Mental Abuse

Mental abuse, also known as emotional abuse, can have severe effects on the victim. Mental abuse can be more difficult to detect without visible marks such as bruises left from physical abuse or the specific signs of sexual abuse. Mental abuse is chronic and consistent and involves a pattern of relating that is harmful and interferes with the ability to form healthy relationships.

Self-Harm Behavior

Suffering from mental abuse can cause symptoms of self-harm in victims. Head-banging may be seen in small children. Adolescents or adults may demonstrate self-injurious behavior such as cutting or burning oneself. These behaviors may be done in the classroom or at home in front of others, such as with the head-banging. Other self-harm behavior, specifically cutting is usually done in secret. Suicidal thoughts and gestures are also secondary symptoms of mental abuse.

Aggressive Behavior

Acting out aggression toward others can be a symptom that someone is a victim of emotional abuse. Frequent temper tantrums, biting, kicking or hitting may be seen in younger children. Adolescents and adults may act out aggression by destroying property or battery and assault toward another. Involvement in gangs or cults may occur, or otherwise being full of rage.

Anxious Behavior

Appearing frightened, easily startled, nervous with unrealistic dread are symptoms present in victims of mental abuse. Daytime anxiety may be noticed by school teachers or caregivers of children. Victims of abuse may have physical complaints such as abdominal distress or headaches and visit the school nurse on a regular basis. Adolescents and adults may appear shy, withdrawn or numb to the experience of emotion.

Physical Symptoms

Sleeping difficulties, loss of appetite, sudden weight gain or loss can be symptoms of mental abuse. Victims of mental abuse may appear fatigued, disheveled and may ignore basic hygiene. Children suffering from abuse might be unable to make it to the bathroom in time, perhaps wetting or soiling themselves.

Other Symptoms

Criticizing self excessively, putting oneself down and other indicators of poor self-esteem are commonly seen among victims of abuse. Other types of abnormal or extreme behavior may be warning signs or symptoms of mental abuse. Exaggerated anger or hatred or certain people or things may be observed. Using substances (alcohol or drugs) or engaging in illegal activities may also indicate an underlying problem with emotional abuse.

References

• This Is a War
• Child Abuse Effects