5 painful ways emotional abuse changes you

Recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship isn’t easy. After being committed to someone for long, it is mentally challenging to fight the toxicity and negativity that person left behind in your life.

And it is only natural that your current perception about love and relationship isn’t positive. As you relive the hurtful incidents or words, again and again, you’re forced to realise how the toxic relationship has changed you completely.

So, here are some ways in which emotional abuse can change your mindset drastically.

1. Your idea of a healthy relationship changes
After enduring all the unhealthy taunts, mocks and insults, it is understandable if your perception of love changes. It is supposed to make you feel safe and lovable, not scared and in despair. The scars of emotional abuse in the relationship leave a deep impact within you which can be difficult to heal from, especially when you lose sight of what love really is.

2. Deep-rooted trust issues
Being in a relationship with a person who was manipulative enough can definitely cause you some serious trust issues. And with time, if you continue to stay with that person, slowly, you’ll distance yourself from all those who really matter, causing you to be mentally vulnerable. Hence, you slowly start losing your trust in others and most importantly doubt your own capabilities.

3. Extreme self-esteem issues
If you continue to hear negatives about yourself from the person you love, then that relationship is no good. Moreover, it will only cause you to question your own image or capabilities. Your partner may manipulate you to stay with them, even if they continue with their toxic behaviour. It can be hard to regain your confidence back because your self-esteem has been deeply hurt.

4. Missing your ex
When your past relationship leaves you emotionally drained, it can be difficult to move on from that person. You’ll find yourself dwelling in memories with your ex and thinking about all the happy moments you experienced together. This emotion of missing and thinking about them is honestly, unhealthy and can potentially stop you from moving forward in your life.

5. Finding happiness in life and relationships may feel difficult
Once you leave a relationship behind where you were emotionally abused, finding happiness again can be burdensome. At times, you may even feel tempted to return back to that toxic ex, but stopping yourself is a courageous step you should take. Believe it or not, there is happiness waiting for you, as soon as you accept the past and move on from those memories. The right person will be there to love and support you and make you feel worthwhile again.