Emotional abuse is a type of abuse that can be difficult to spot, as it often takes the form of manipulation, control, and intimidation. It can leave deep emotional scars on its victims and can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Understanding the signs of emotional abuse is crucial for recognizing it and getting help.

Type of Emotional Abuse:

1. Constant criticism: Your partner constantly criticizes you, your appearance, your work, your friends or your family. They may make you feel like you can never do anything right, and that you are never good enough.
   
2. Insults and name-calling: Your partner calls you hurtful names, belittles you, and puts you down. They may make you feel worthless and degraded.
   
3. Controlling behavior: Your partner tries to control who you see, where you go, what you wear and how you spend your time. They may also control your finances, access to your phone or computer, and even your social media accounts.
   
4. Isolation: Your partner isolates you from your friends and family. They may discourage you from spending time with them or may even forbid you from seeing them.
   
5. Gaslighting: Your partner manipulates you into doubting your own sanity. They may deny things they’ve said or done, make you question your own memories and perceptions, and make you feel like you are going crazy.
   
6. Threats and intimidation: Your partner threatens you, either physically or emotionally, to control your behavior. They may threaten to hurt you or your loved ones, or threaten to leave you if you don’t do what they want.
   
7. Jealousy: Your partner is extremely jealous and possessive. They may accuse you of flirting or cheating and may become angry if you pay attention to anyone else.
   
8. Blaming: Your partner blames you for their problems, their mistakes and their negative feelings. They make you feel responsible for everything that goes wrong in their life.
   
9. Emotional blackmail: Your partner uses your emotions against you to get what they want. They may threaten to hurt themselves, commit suicide, or leave you if you don’t do what they want.
   
10. Abusive language: Your partner uses verbal abuse, such as yelling, cursing, or using hurtful words to intimidate you. They may use language to control and manipulate you.

It’s important to remember that emotional abuse can take many different forms and can happen in any type of relationship. Emotional abuse can happen in romantic relationships, friendships, business relationships, and even within families. It can also happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

If you recognize any of these signs in your relationship, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many resources available on ShareWell that can help you navigate the difficult process of leaving an abusive relationship. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.

Emotional abuse can leave long-lasting scars, it’s important to take action and seek help as soon as possible. 

Remember that you deserve to be in a healthy, loving relationship and it’s never too late to make a change.