Chronic stress and trauma lead to various mental disorders, one of which is anxiety.

However, many people overlook the serious negative effects of mental abuse, but it is actually on the same level of harmfulness as physical abuse. People can suffer a lot due to being yelled at, insulted, and disrespected.

Scientists explain that cyberbullying and real-life verbal abuse are seriously dangerous, as they affect both hemispheres of the human brain, and lead to numerous health issues. 

According to Sherri Gordon, a published author, and a bullying prevention expert:

“Because verbal abuse isn’t as clear-cut as other forms of abuse and bullying, like physical bullying and sexual bullying, it can be hard to identify. But that doesn’t make it any less real.

Typically, verbal abuse involves some sort of verbal interaction that causes a person emotional harm. For instance, when someone is being downright critical, acting out in anger, and using words to try to control another person, this is verbal abuse.

This, in turn, leaves a victim questioning who they are. In fact, it is not uncommon for a victim of verbal abuse to feel inadequate, stupid, and worthless. After all, they are being defined by a verbally abusive person.

If verbal abuse occurs in a dating relationship, it can be particularly confusing because the partner is likely not abusive all the time.

As a result, when the abuser is loving and gentle the victim can forget all the about the negative behavior. Ultimately, the victim ends up ignoring the pattern of verbal abuse or makes excuses for the behavior saying things like he is just stressed out or he is going through a tough time right now.”

Verbal abuse can lead to the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• PTSD
• Chronic pain
• Migraines
• Eating disorders
• Digestive issue

Short-Term Symptoms

• Overthinking
• Indecisiveness
• Lack of enthusiasm and low self-esteem

Verbal abuse can be manifested through various kinds of behaviors, and the following can be clear signs of it:

1. Mood Killer

Abusers need to be in control of the situation, so they make you feel bad and spoil your good mood whenever possible since they feed when you are sad.

2. Name-Calling

Name-calling is a way to manipulate others and harm the victim.

3. Abusers Are Always Right

Abusers never apologize or enter a discussion about their behavior, as they believe they are never wrong.

4. Blame

Abusers blame other people for everything, in order to make them feel guilty and never good enough.

5. Jokes

If done without consent and permission of the other, joking can cause harm to the person affected.

6. Attack Interests

Abusers usually attack the hobbies, and interests of other people, making them feel worthless, and even end up lying.

7. Disrespect

Abusers usually disrespect others and do not appreciate anything other people do, making them feel useless and empty.

8. Behind Closed Doors

Abusers usually torment their victims behind closed doors, when no one can see them. Verbal abuse can happen at school, work, and at home, leading to severe trauma.

9. Isolation

Abused people often live isolated and avoid socializing, in order to protect themselves. They feel anxious when with other people since they lack self-confidence. In case you notice this, do your best to help this person.

If you are a victim of verbal abuse, remember that healing takes time, but you should always trust your instincts. As soon as you recognize this behavior, you need to do something about it before it escalates, and the following tips will help you:

• Reasoning is unlikely to work, so stop trying and start thinking about yourself first
• Set your boundaries and do not engage in unreasonable arguments
• Avoid or at least limit the exposure to the abuser
• Cut all ties the first moment when you are ready, even though it will probably be difficult and complicated
• Speak with a counselor or join a support group, and other people’s perspective will encourage you to go in the right direction 

Sources:
www.learning-mind.com
www.healthline.com
www.verywellmind.com