Mental Abuse
What is mental abuse?
Mental abuse refers to the use of words or actions that makes someone feel mentally humiliated and degraded, resulting in a gradual wearing away of that person’s self-esteem and self-worth. Mental abuse makes the victim fearful and anxious, leading to a decline of their self-confidence. Mental abuse can erode your sense of reality, impair your judgement and make you feel bad about yourself. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, and difficulties trusting people are common symptoms of mental abuse. Mental abuse may occur in various circumstances, including family settings, the workplace and in friendships.
God’s thoughts on mental abuse
In the book of Exodus, we read about the story of the Israelites in Egypt and how God delivered them from Pharaoh. Their story portrays the sufferings they endured, of both physical and mental abuse. The Egyptian’s disregard, ridicule and humiliation of the Israelites as slaves must have left very deep mental and emotional scars and wounds. We see a glimpse of this on display in the behaviour of some of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Healing from mental abuse is a bit like a wilderness journey, it takes time and it is therefore important that you seek the right level of spiritual and professional support if you are struggling with everyday living due to the impact of past or ongoing mental abuse. As seen in the case of the Israelites, God wants to deliver those who are oppressed and held captive. And He has provided a way out of mental abuse through salvation in Christ Jesus, as prophesied in Isaiah 61 and fulfilled in Luke 4, verse 18.
What are the signs of mental abuse?
Other family members might exert undue influence, as evidenced in child abuse cases. and other unexpected places. While individual relationships might be differently destructive to one’s mental health, the abuse typically follows a consistent pattern of conduct that is simple to spot. The following are signs of mental abuse:
- High tendency toward blaming, criticising, and fault-finding
- Manipulation, controlling, name-calling and humiliation
- Withholding affection and emotional neglect
- Verbally abusive behaviour and harshness
- Disregards and ridicules the other person’s feelings
What are the Impacts of mental abuse?
- Constant triggers and flashbacks of painful experiences involving an abusive person
- Mental health problems such as panic attacks, anxiety, and depression
- Bouts of rage, anger, and severe mood swings
- Feelings of being inadequate and being insecure
- Possibility of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Feelings of overwhelming sorrow and trouble concentrating,
- Changes in your sleep habits, leading to insomnia and brain fog
- Decline in self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence
- Toxic views on relationships and challenges in trusting people
- Challenges in developing healthy relationships with others
In conclusion, do not ignore the signs and impacts of abuses in your life. Doing so limits God’s best for you and your life aspirations. Find ways to start your healing process. Whilst not speaking to experts may not be readily available to you, however, you can begin to take steps towards effective self-healing Christian options like meditation, prayers, scripture declaration immersion, identity in Christ refocusing and retreats.
The benefits of scripture meditation and immersion practices in overcoming the impact of trauma, abuse and stresses from life challenges cannot be underestimated in dealing with past trauma, abuses or challenges of life and relationships. Meditating on scripture (bible verses) provides a life force for healing. The bible says that the word of God is spirit and life. It means there is a divine force in the word of God, and as you meditate and declare it over your life you enable the activation of the spirit and life force to go to work in your life.
Remember, life is not a rehearsal. God always wants you to choose freedom in Jesus Christ. To be free, you have to decide to be 100% responsible for the change you want to see in your life, even though you may be 100% blameless for the life challenges you find yourself facing. As such, be ready for change. As the solution to overcoming life challenges will usually involve a combination of spiritual insights and practical professional skills, on things God will show you to do to surge ahead. As always, remain blessed with divine health and wellbeing.
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