The tongue has no bones but is strong enough to break a heart. People who were verbally abused as children grow up to be self-critical adults prone to depression and anxiety. Choose your words wisely. The effects can be devastating.
Carrie
I hold a Master’s Degree in Psychology. I am licensed in both Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Because psychology is dynamic and evolving... . read more...
I was verbally and emotionally abused both as a child and as an adult by my mother who was an alcoholic. She was also mentally ill which we didn’t know until shortly before her death at age 60. In addition to the verbal and emotional abuse, she also neglected us. She abandoned my brother and me when I was 11 years old so we went to live with our father. Shortly thereafter, I began therapy. I have suffered from depression for most of my life. Last year, I was diagnosed with PTSD and an anxiety disorder which resulted from the abuse I experienced. I’ve also suffered from PTSD and anxiety for most of my life which I didn’t realize until last year.
I have been in therapy off and on for approximately 35 years. Even though my mother passed away several years ago and the abuse stopped long ago, I still suffer from the effects of it. Most recently, a teenage relative lived with my husband and me for a few years. While she was living with us, she was diagnosed with the same mental illness my mother had been diagnosed with. I didn’t realize it at the time but this relative kept triggering my PTSD because she exhibited the same behaviors my mother did in that she was verbally and emotionally abusive to me too, as well as highly manipulative. Needless to say, this relative no longer lives with us.
I recently developed chronic health issues and an autoimmune disease. I’ve read several articles that discuss the possible correlation between childhood trauma and chronic health issues or autoimmune diseases that develop later in adulthood. I’ve discussed this topic with other people who have chronic health and/or autoimmune diseases and many of us have experienced some type of childhood trauma.
Hi, M.S. Kyle,
Thank you for sharing your story. Verbal and emotional abuse has long lasting affects. I am glad you have been able to get help for what you had to deal with. It sounds like in reaching out you have found some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. I wish you peace and strength. Carrie
I am sorry you have gone through this. It seems that you are one very strong person. It sounds that you have found some comfort in talking to others. I wish you strength.
Carrie