Page 24 - Seniorstoday August-2023 Issue
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them living together in one home under person. If being around that person just
one roof. Putting up emotional walls that feels wrong, it is probably wrong.
prevent communication and the sharing of
feelings is a common form of abuse. 8. It Can Happen to Anyone
While it’s more common for women to be
6. ‘You’re Too Sensitive’ is Something emotionally or mentally abused, it does
You Hear Frequently happen to men, as well. No one is immune,
Very often, you are told off in an insulting and it’s also important to remember that
manner by the child or their spouse and it doesn’t have to occur only in domestic
if you complain, you are told that you are relationships. It can also happen in family
being too sensitive. Everyone has different dynamics, friend groups, and situations
levels of sensitivity, and some people are with co-workers.
much more bothered by certain things
than other people would be. If a child isn’t
making any effort to understand sensitivity
levels and would rather accuse and dismiss
them instead, they might be emotionally or
mentally abusive. Often, the ‘too sensitive’
comment will be the go-to phrase anytime
the parent experiencing the abuse tries to
discuss how they’re being treated by their
child. They’re led to believe it’s all in their
head or, worse yet, it’s all their fault. What to Do If You’re Experiencing Abuse
If you feel like you’re being mentally
7. You Feel Low around Your Children or emotionally abused, it’s important
Sometimes it’s hard to say why a child’s to consider leaving the situation or the
energy and influence in life just doesn’t feel relationship, seek counseling and surround
good. Things may seem fine on the surface, yourself with people who are healthy for
but deep down they really aren’t alright. your self-esteem and mental health. It’s
Anyone who’s making a parent or another also important to be aware that emotional
person in their life feel small, stupid, or mental abuse can also be a gateway to
weak, insecure, or a similar way could be physical abuse.
emotionally and mentally abusing that Emotional and mental abuse can be more
difficult to recognise than physical abuse, so
it’s important to know the signs. Remember
that, regardless of what your abuser has
led you to believe, you deserve to be treated
well — and no one deserves to be abused.
Least of all from your kids who you have
so lovingly brought up. In such cases,
spend time out of the house, cultivate other
hobbies, meditate and make friends with
others and get your mind off the situation.
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