How Domestic Violence can affect your Mental Health
Pushing, choking, biting, beating are all forms of domestic violence. According to statistics, about 50% of people living with mental illness have previously experienced some sort of trauma either physically or sexually. Sadly, domestic violence is quite prevalent across the world. Regardless of the form, the vice is wrong and must be acted upon before it becomes a hazard. Well, although it is charged as a criminal offense, the mental implication of the vice has often not been given the weight it deserves. Let us expound more on the connection between domestic violence and mental health issues.
Mental health effects of domestic violence
Imagine your loved one parent or friend, who is supposed to be taking care of you hurting you? When this happens to us, we tend to shift blame to ourselves and think something is wrong with us. We begin to develop low self-esteem, which feeds the hopeless feeling that bores depression and other anxiety disorders associated with mental health.
We find ways to cope with the violence. Common scapegoats include overeating or using drugs and alcohol. You find yourself indulging in these acts to numb out from the reality of what’s going on. Sadly, these coping mechanisms are ineffective because they are short term and result in many severe complications like addiction and depression.
Additionally, there are medical complications that arise when the abuse goes on for a while. Living in a stressful environment for years takes a toll on our system, causing medical complications, including mental illness.
Do perpetrators suffer mental health?
Yes, they do, especially if they are wrongly accused. As you know, a domestic violence charge can result in severe consequences if one is convicted. For instance, one may face penalties such as jail time, probation, community service, or end up with a criminal record. In other words, the vice does affect the mental health of the perpetrators. More so on those who have been wrongly accused or convicted.
Common mental issues caused by domestic violence:
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Drugs and substance abuse
- Depression and anxiety
Whether you are the victim or the perpetrator, here are some ways to deal with mental health resulting from domestic violence
How to deal with mental health issues caused by domestic violence
Try Therapy
Therapy allows you to process the ordeal in depth. It is important that you open up and talk to your therapist with no fear. If the ramifications of the event are severe, you can try trauma-focused therapy that focuses on relaxing your muscles, regulating your emotions, and managing your feelings. This type of treatment allows you to discuss the overwhelming events of the violence and find ways to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Medication
Do not shy away from medication. Some of the effects of domestic violence are anxiety and depression. While therapy is effective, medication can also assist you to recover. So, visit a doctor for help in dealing with the situation.
Hire a Domestic Violence Attorney
Well, one of the solutions lies in hiring an attorney. According to a domestic violence attorney in Anchorage, these types of cases can get complex, thus you need to find an experienced attorney depending on your situation. In cases where you are the victim or rather, domestic violence has resulted in any harm to you, then hiring a lawyer will also help you get justice and compensation from the perpetrator.
Final thoughts:
Domestic violence is one of the precursors to mental health. As a victim, you have the power in your hands by reporting the vice and getting help if needed. Bottom line, it is essential to reach out for help if you have experienced any type of abuse. Start by hiring a lawyer to help stop the violence or accusation, then deal with the mental implications of the vice.