Sometimes, things happen in life, and you feel like you are underwater. You are drowning in a cycle of confusion, frustration, isolation, violence, and, unfortunately, you may even feel a sense of shame or guilt.
If you or someone close to you has experienced violence or abuse and the resulting mental health ramifications, there is help, and there is hope. Please continue reading to learn more.
1. Understand the Experience
There are instances where you might experience a single violent incident at the hands of another person. However, there is something else that may be happening. When abuse occurs, it can be immediate and constant, or it can come on slowly and insidiously. You know something is wrong, but it builds up while cutting you and your sense of self down.
Your confidence erodes, and the abuse continues. The cycle of harm can be difficult to understand, but it is important to recognize the difference between violence and abuse. While you are lost in the experience or cycle, outside resources can help you identify the problem and find help. A legal consultation is a good place to begin.
2. Pay Attention to Those in Your Care
One thing about violence and abuse is that it generally is not isolated to one person. If your children happen to witness an incident or a string of abuse, they feel the effects. They may not experience a physical assault or have an object thrown at them, but they hear the words being said, the anger and rage in one voice, and the fear and begging in another.
Kids of all ages might begin to act out at school or exhibit violent behavior themselves. Some kids will withdraw and isolate themselves because they are confused and scared. You never know what is going on in the mind of a child or teen; that is why it is so important to find care and counseling for them, too, because abuse has a broad range and a lasting effect.
3. Know When to Ask for Help
Even if you are seeking legal assistance for a case involving mistreatment of any kind, you may need more help. If you have been physically injured as a result of the violence or abuse, medical care will be necessary. In addition, your ability to take care of basic tasks, such as childcare, pet care, driving, cooking, and caring for your home, may be impacted, and help with those essential tasks will benefit your well-being and healing process.
If your experience involves emotional trauma of any type, asking for help is crucial. Always remember that you do not have to take on this immense load of healing and moving forward alone. There is always help.
In Conclusion
If you have experienced any type of violence or abuse in your life or know someone who has, understanding the differences in what you have gone through is important, and so is seeking help for yourself and your family.
There are trained professionals who are ready to listen, support your physical, emotional, and mental health, and guide you.
