Emotional abuse

Children and adults with care and support needs are more likely to be at risk of abuse.

Child maltreatment is behavior toward a child that is outside the norms of conduct and entails substantial risk of causing physical or emotional harm. Four types of maltreatment are generally recognized: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse (psychologic abuse), and neglect.

Symptoms

• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities.
• Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance.
• Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence.
• An apparent lack of supervision.
• Frequent absences from school.

All states have a system to receive and respond to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. If you suspect a child is being harmed, or has been harmed, you should report your concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services, in the state where child maltreatment is occurring.

Traumatic invalidation occurs when an individual’s environment repeatedly or intensely communicates that the individual’s experiences, characteristics, or emotional reactions are unreasonable and/or unacceptable.

Emotional invalidation is when someone communicates to you that your emotions are not valid, are unreasonable or irrational, or should be hidden or concealed.

Invalidation is a form of relational trauma which, over time, harms the brain and nervous system, and also results in the disintegration of any healthy bonds of connection, and dissolution of trust in others. Healing requires the slow, ongoing work of diligent growth in character, self-awareness, and love.

Acknowledge Their Feelings Don’t ignore the situation or try to make a joke about it. You may not like how your partner feels, but you should still respect their feelings and show empathy. All they want is to feel understood, accepted, and cared for by you. Like you really get them.

Feeling heightened emotions or like you’re unable to control your emotions can come down to diet choices, genetics, or stress. It can also be due to an underlying health condition, such as depression or hormones.

Here are some pointers to get you started.

1. Take a look at the impact of your emotions. Intense emotions aren’t all bad.
2. Aim for regulation, not repression.
3. Identify what you’re feeling.
4. Accept your emotions — all of them.
5. Keep a mood journal.
6. Take a deep breath.
7. Know when to express yourself.
8. Give yourself some space.

Some examples of unstable emotions are: Extreme depression, anxiety or irritability that might last for only a few hours or days, usually in response to a stressful event. Intense anger or difficulty controlling anger. Intense boredom.