Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, is a pattern of behavior perpetuated by a parent that causes a child to experience emotional distress, harms their sense of self-worth, and affects their emotional development.1 It can include rejection, constant criticism, threats, or emotional neglect.2 This article discusses the types of emotional abuse, the signs to look … Read more
Bonding to a parent or caregiver is a critical part of a baby’s emotional development. In fact, the absence of love and of a strong attachment to a parent can lead to mental and emotional problems later in life.1 Healthy adult relationships with friends, spouses, and even co-workers can be difficult for a person who didn’t have the … Read more
PTSD in Vietnam Veterans In 1983, a mandate set forth by Congress required the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study to better understand the psychological effects of being in combat in the Vietnam War. The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS) found that approximately 15% of the 2.7 million Americans who served … Read more
If you find yourself wondering why you’re so angry, it’s time to explore the triggers, feelings, experiences, and frustrations that might lie behind it all. A good place to start is the quiz in this article, which also discusses anger’s possible causes, its effects on behavior, and some strategies to cope with it. Take the … Read more
If you’ve experienced emotional abuse in your life, you already know that the side effects have a tendency to last longer than the abuse itself. To find out more about how people can cope with the mental aftermath of emotional abuse, Verywell Mind spoke to Frank Anderson, MD, a psychotherapist and psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment … Read more
Intergenerational trauma refers to trauma that is passed from a trauma survivor to their descendants. It can also be referred to as transgenerational or multigenerational trauma. People experiencing intergenerational trauma may experience symptoms, reactions, patterns, and emotional and psychological effects from trauma experienced by previous generations (not limited to just parents or grandparents). What Is a Trauma … Read more
Emotional healing happens when you can acknowledge, accept, and process difficult emotions or experiences. This process looks different for everyone, but it is possible as long as you are open to releasing expectations about what the experience will be like or what it will lead to. The reality is that you will never be the … Read more
Trauma shock is any sudden, terrible experience that disrupts your well-being and overwhelms you. A traumatic experience can shock your system, causing you to go into a state of dissociation, where your body and mind feel disconnected and nothing feels real.1 Your brain resorts to this adaptive defense mechanism when trying to cope with stressful or overwhelming events … Read more
Children in foster care are facing tremendous hardships. The simple act of leaving home is a traumatic experience, but this is just the beginning for children entering the welfare system. Many have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. Many are forced to adapt to constantly changing environments, as they are bounced from … Read more
Sexual trauma refers to the physical and psychological challenges endured by survivors of sexual assault. An estimated one in five women1 and a quarter of men in the United States have experienced unwelcome or forceful sexual contact. This can lead to damaging outcomes for a survivor. Children are also commonly affected by sexual trauma. Around one … Read more