Emotional abuse can come from anyone in our lives, including parents.
But because abuse exists on a wide spectrum, it can be difficult to spot.
Here’s what to know.
What is emotional abuse?
Inconsistency
Another subtle sign of emotionally abusive parents that’s harder to spot is inconsistency.
This can sound like, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?”
Verbal cruelty
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth calling out.
Verbal abuse exists on a spectrum, with subtler forms to overt ones, says Page.
To have bids ignored constantly, Page says, causes a lot of pain over time.
Gaslighting
Gaslightingis a telltale sign of emotional abuse.
(Here’s ourfull guide to gaslighting parents.)
What effects do emotionally abusive parents have?
A note on the inevitably of emotional wounding.
And you listen, and you really attempt to changethat’s the concept of ‘rupture and repair.’
There will be rupture, so what are you willing to do to repair?"
How to get support.
Page says family therapy can be a really helpful tool in this case.
In fact, it may even be beneficial to see a family therapistanda one-on-one therapist, if possible.
The takeaway.
Emotional abuse can happen to anyone, at the hands of anyone.
