Do I Have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder From Emotional Abuse?
If you've experienced emotional abuse, you may be wondering if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional abuse can include things like constant belittling, put-downs, manipulation, or control. It can be incredibly damaging, causing lasting effects on your self-esteem, mental health, and relationships.
While emotional abuse doesn't always lead to PTSD, it can be a major factor. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Violence and Victims, emotional abuse was the second most common type of trauma experienced by participants (after physical abuse).
So, what are the symptoms of PTSD? And how can you tell if emotional abuse has caused PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Flashbacks
- nightmares
- severe anxiety
- depression
- isolation
- difficulty concentrating
- problems with sleeping
- irritability
- aggression
These symptoms can make it hard to function in everyday life. If you're struggling, it's important to seek professional help.
How to tell if emotional abuse has caused PTSD
If you're not sure if your symptoms are due to PTSD or something else, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist or mental health professional. They can help you figure out if your symptoms are due to PTSD or another condition.
There are a few key things that may suggest your symptoms are due to PTSD from emotional abuse:
- If you were exposed to long-term or repeated emotional abuse
- If the emotional abuse was particularly severe