Emotional abuse is far worse than you think

Psychological abuse does not get a lot of attention. The ignorance towards the issue is surprising considering it is the most challenging and prevalent form of child abuse and neglect.

A lack of awareness and research may explain why this issue hasn't been widely addressed or acknowledged. A new study has revealed that emotional abuse can have longer and more detrimental effects than sexual and physical abuse.

Children who have suffered from emotional abuse have been known to develop anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal tendencies. Psychological maltreatment also has the highest association with anxiety, emotion attachment issues, depression, and substance abuse.

Nearly 3 million experience some form of maltreatment each year. It is hard to identify and recognize emotional abuse because there are no scars. It also just doesn't carry the stigma of sexual or physical abuse. In order to make positive progress in the right direction, it is increasingly important to bring awareness to the issue.

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