A person who is subjected to emotional abuse, either as a child or within a relationship, may be less likely to trust people in the future. For example, as they grow up, children might seek negative relationships that may continue to expose them to emotional abuse.

Can emotional abuse affect you years later?

It can cause both long-term and short-term consequences for people subjected to it. Children who have been subjected to emotional abuse may continue to feel its effects into adulthood. These effects could include extremely low self-esteem, seeking bad relationships, and other physical or mental effects.

What are the consequences of emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse can affect a childs emotional development, including: feeling, expressing and controlling emotions. lacking confidence or causing anger problems. finding it difficult to make and maintain healthy relationships later in life.

Does emotional abuse worsen?

Remember too, that abuse often escalates when the person being abused makes a decision to leave. So, be sure you have a safety plan in place should the abuse get worse. Healing from emotional abuse takes time.

What does emotional abuse do to the brain?

Because childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma change brain structure and chemical function, maltreatment can also affect the way children behave, regulate emotion and function socially. These potential effects include: Being constantly on alert and unable to relax, no matter the situation.