Psychology Today explains that “Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior in which the perpetrator insults, humiliates, and generally instills fear in an individual in order to control them.” Verbal and emotional abuse are nonphysical forms of domestic violence. Domestic violence can manifest in additional ways (e.g., physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, image-based abuse, etc.) and arises from one person’s desire for control over another. While emotional and verbal abuse may not lead to physical injury, emotional abuse can be as mentally and psychologically damaging as physical abuse. Emotional abuse can result in a young person to begin to internalize and believe the words of his or her abuser. Teenage emotional abuse can lead to a diminished self-esteem and lowered confidence levels.
With the help of a qualified mental health professional, a teen can learn to reverse the damage caused by emotional or verbal abuse. This can help an adolescent grow to have healthy relationships and refrain from getting stuck in a cyclical pattern of abuse. In many cases, emotional or verbal abuse can lead to other forms of abuse, including physical abuse.
Physical abuse is defined as any deliberate and unwanted physical contact. Physically abusive behaviors may not necessarily leave a physical mark on a teen’s body or even cause pain; however, purposeful unwanted contact is still considered abuse. Some examples of teenage physical abuse could include, but are not limited to:
The consequences that can arise in a young person from physical abuse can not only be physically damaging, but emotionally crippling. All too often, a victim of abuse is hesitant to report the attack for fear of retaliation. This can, in turn, perpetuate the dysfunction and enable the abuse to continue. If left unaddressed, any form of domestic violence can lead to severe short and long-term consequences, and in the most serious of cases be life-threatening.
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769
We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding mental health treatment and our residential program, anytime. Contact us today using the form to the right.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
