Emotional abuse
An attack on your emotions and self-worth, including verbal abuse and criticism.
What is it?
Emotional abuse is used to belittle and shame a victim, put them down, and generally discredit and attack their emotions and self-worth. Because if you have no self-worth, you aren’t going to leave, are you? You could also refer to this as verbal abuse. Here are some examples:
What does it look like?
They may call you names, insult your appearance, i.e., telling you that you are unattractive. They may insult your personality and tell you that you are useless, boring, or untrustworthy. They may criticize (or completely dismiss) your achievements, telling you that you could have done better or that they could have done better.
They may also criticize you on things like how you wash the dishes, how you don’t do enough around the house, or you don’t work hard enough, or you work too much. They will nitpick and mock you constantly about anything and everything. They may do this only in private, but also in public or social settings to embarrass you.
Emotional abuse is an attack on you as a person and a soul. It can lead to deep self-hatred and low self-worth. You start to believe that you deserve this treatment and that no one will ever want you or love you. It can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia.