From www healthline.com “How to Recognize the Signs of Mental and Emotional Abuse”
What to do
If you’re being mentally and emotionally abused, trust your instincts. Know that it isn’t right and you don’t have to live this way.
If you fear immediate physical violence, call 911 or your local emergency services.
If you aren’t in immediate danger and you need to talk or find someplace to go, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799-7233. This 24/7 hotline can put you in touch with service providers and shelters across the United States.
Otherwise, your choices come down to the specifics of your situation. Here’s what you can do:
- Accept that the abuse isn’t your responsibility. Don’t try to reason with your abuser. You may want to help, but it’s unlikely they’ll break this pattern of behavior without professional counseling. That’s THEIR responsibility.
- Disengage and set personal boundaries. Decide that you won’t respond to abuse or get sucked into arguments. Stick to it. Limit exposure to the abuser as much as you can.
- Exit the relationship or circumstance. If possible, cut all ties. Make it clear that it’s over and don’t look back. You might also want to find a therapist who can show you a healthy way to move forward.
- Give yourself time to heal. Reach out to supportive friends and family members. If you’re in school, talk to a teacher or guidance counselor. If you think it will help, find a therapist who can help you in your recovery.
Leaving the relationship is more complex if you’re married, have children, or have commingled assets. If that’s your situation, seek legal assistance. Here are a few other resources:
- Break the Cycle: Supporting young people between 12 and 24 to build healthy relationships and create an abuse-free culture.
- DomesticShelters.org: Educational information, hotline, and searchable database of services in your area.
- Love Is Respect (National Dating Abuse Hotline): Giving teens and young adults a chance to chat online, call or text.