7 Adverse Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health

Domestic violence is a thorny and pervasive problem that affects countless individuals and families around the world. This abuse, occurring within the walls of a home, can take many different forms, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

The consequences of domestic violence go far beyond the physical and can have serious and long-lasting effects on the mental health of those abused. In this article, we discuss the effects of domestic violence on mental health and how to effectively overcome them.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to abusive behavior between intimate partners, spouses, or family members living together in the same home. It includes physical violence such as hitting, punching, shoving or kicking, as well as emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and sexual abuse.

This abuse violates basic human rights, and the mental health effects of domestic violence can unduly damage a relationship between a couple. Abuse can make a person vulnerable to traumatic experiences, affecting their mental and emotional health, leading to negative long-term consequences.

Understanding what constitutes domestic violence is crucial to recognizing and addressing this serious problem.

Link between domestic violence and mental health: The statistics

Many studies and data have been collected on the impact of domestic violence on mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that victims of domestic violence are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Surprisingly, about two-thirds of women receiving mental health services have experienced domestic violence, which shows a widespread impact on mental health.

Another study reported that women with mental health problems were more likely to become victims of domestic violence, with 30-60% of women with mental health problems having experienced violence. family force.

How does domestic violence affect mental health?

Domestic violence affects mental health in many ways. It throws one’s mental imbalance into the sea. In addition, it can lead to self-doubt and worthlessness in the victim. Such abuse has a significant impact on the self-esteem and self-esteem of the person it causes.

Living in an abusive relationship for a long time under intimidation and humiliation deprives people of a healthy atmosphere. As a result, it leads to a range of mental health problems from anxiety to emotional disturbances in sufferers.

7 adverse effects of domestic violence on mental health

As mentioned, domestic violence is a thorny and pervasive problem that affects countless individuals and families around the world. It can manifest in many different forms, such as physical, emotional, psychological, or financial abuse.

While its immediate impact can be heartbreaking, the mental health consequences of domestic violence are often profound and long-lasting. The section below covers the various adverse effects of domestic violence on mental health and how it can have serious negative consequences on a person’s life.

1. Depression

Depression is one of the most common effects of domestic violence on mental health. Typical signs of this illness include chronic or constant sadness, loss of interest in things around us, disturbed sleep, and changes in standard eating habits.

There can also be signs of despair when the person has lived under such abuse for a long time. Depression can gradually lead to a number of other acute and chronic mental illnesses.

2. Anxiety disorders

Another common impact of domestic violence on mental health is the development of severe anxiety. Victims may be constantly restless, having difficulty concentrating on essential tasks. They may also worry excessively or be preoccupied with unimportant things or topics, gradually leading to panic attacks if left unchecked.

Victims may remain in a state of hypervigilance or hyperactivity. Individuals may find it difficult to feel safe because they must constantly prepare for the possibility of further abuse.

3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Symptoms of PTSD are also noticeable in many domestic violence survivors. The mental health effects of domestic violence are a serious form of anxiety that can arise after exposure to traumatic events.

Victims of post-traumatic stress disorder often experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and heightened vigilance. The psychological damage caused by traumatic events, such as those caused by domestic violence, can last for a long time.

4. Substance abuse

In response to “domestic violence in mental health,” many victims turn to substance abuse. Trauma, emotional distress, and emotional turmoil can become so severe that drugs or alcohol can become a temporary solace.

However, this is a dangerous situation because in reality, drug addiction makes mental health problems worse, and getting out of the spiral can be more complicated. Survivors may also develop eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, as are mental health and domestic violence coping strategies.

5. Isolation from society

The psychological effects of domestic violence can be so severe that victims may begin to isolate themselves from loved ones and other family members. Isolation can get worse when other mental problems, such as anxiety or depression, arise.

Victims begin to feel disconnected and lonely and feel a lack of support from others. In addition, if the victim is a parent, there can be a negative impact on the children’s health, as they may not be emotionally ready for them. These are typical mental health indicators of domestic violence.

6. Self-injury and suicidal thoughts

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm are the result of discomfort from “domestic violence mental illness.” Once the condition worsens, causing despair in the victim, it can put the person at risk of engaging in self-harming behaviors. It is their own sense of hopelessness that can lead them to chronic emotional states such as guilt and loneliness, and as a result they may have suicidal thoughts or hurt themselves.

7. Problems with trust and intimacy

Among the physical and psychological effects of domestic violence are avoidance of closeness with a partner and loss of trust. Abuse also increases barriers to intimacy in later relationships. Survivors can find it difficult to trust others, especially their romantic partners, acquaintances, or even family members.

How to deal with the mental health effects of domestic violence

The emotional effects of domestic violence can be serious; therefore, it is essential to take the necessary measures comprehensively. To address the mental health effects of domestic violence, survivors can take these specific steps to seek help and begin the healing process:

1. Seek out professional assistance

Mental health and domestic violence are linked. Therefore, the situation should be resolved as soon as possible. Reach out to professionals, support organizations, trusted friends or family members. Therapists, psychologists, and counselors can offer safe advice and support for dealing with traumatic experiences.

Trauma needs to be addressed before it becomes a serious mental illness and trauma from domestic violence. Individuals may find it easier to work through the emotional consequences of domestic violence and regain a sense of who they are with the help of therapy.

2. Create a support network

Navigating through mental disorders caused by violence can be difficult alone. However, it would be perfect to surround yourself with a support network of friends, family members, and other survivors with similar experiences.

There are a number of online and offline support groups that a person can join to encourage and lift spirits. Engaging with support groups can provide validation and a sense of belonging throughout the healing journey.

 3. Carry out self-care

Self-care is essential for survivors and victims to restore their health and regain their identity. Take up running, yoga, meditation, journaling, hobbies like music, gardening, or even learning a foreign language. These practices will calm the mind and body.

Educate and empower to be able to deal with situations most effectively. Knowledge is a powerful tool that can help survivors regain a sense of control and continue their healing process.