Hidden Crisis of Emotional Abuse in Teens
Teenage years are a sacred period that is abounding with illusions, learning, and growth. This is the period when the children search for what they are and exist. But if this vulnerable period is overshadowed by the silent pain of emotional abuse, then its impact can never subside. Unlike physical violence, though, it leaves no bruise, but its wounds cut deep into mind and heart and mold futures in painful ways. One in seven children worldwide suffers some type of emotional abuse, according to the World Health Organization. It may come from parents, teachers, peers, or officials, through criticism, rejection, neglect, intimidation, or manipulation. This silent violence erodes the self-confidence and trust required to develop healthy relationships and self-esteem.
In effect, emotional abuse assaults self-worth. Emotional abuse shows children that they are unwanted and unloved and their feelings don’t count. In those formative years, these messages inflict deep wounds, warping thinking, feeling, and behavior. The most evident damage is a loss of self-trust. When hurtful words become part of the complacent status quo, young minds will start accepting them and get stuck in helplessness and hopelessness. Negative self-doubt derails growth and takes away from them their potential.
The relationship between mental illness and emotional abuse is close. It is suggested by studies that it increases the risk for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The American Psychological Association suggests that it also increases suicide risk. Even though the wound cannot be seen, its destructive power exists. On an emotional level, abuse leaves victims feeling alone, and therefore it becomes difficult to trust or have healthy relationships. Others withdraw completely and others to other manifestations of self-destruction such as aggression or self-injury, further away.
Emotional abuse is extremely weighty in the workplace and the rest of their professional life. A perpetually scared and doubting brain lacks focus, becomes easily demotivated, and performs poorly. This primarily results in lost opportunities and delayed success in the future. The body isn’t spared either. Increased levels of cortisol due to prolonged stress compromise the immune system and result in headaches, stomachaches, and insomnia. Physical illness usually ensues as a result of emotional pain.
One of the largest obstacles is identifying emotional abuse. It occurs most frequently behind closed doors, and sometimes is confused with discipline. The abusers may not know the degree to which words are damaging. Cultural acceptance of brutal treatment as the standard permits this unseen harm. Victims, bound by fear and shame, far too often remain silent, thinking they are alone. This silence permits the abuse to continue unchecked.
Awareness is the best way to eliminate emotional abuse. Parents, teachers, and society in general must be taught what it is and how much harm it causes. Teaching schools about emotional intelligence and effective communication can do tremendous amounts of good by enabling children and adults to recognize and shun abuse. Developing environments where young people feel heard is a definite need. Inexpensive and accessible counseling centers, helplines, and peer support groups the youth can engage so they will not be reluctant to get help.
Resiliency skills empower youth to break the cycle. Mindfulness, self-support, and art therapy heal injuries and rebuild self-worth. Governments have to present emotional abuse as a serious child rights violation and pass victim support and offender responsibility legislation. Merging of mental health services with schools and communities enhances this safety net.
Therapy is included in the healing of emotional wounds. Cognitive-behavioral methods assist adolescents in confronting negative presumptions and learning healthy practices. Family therapy repairs trust and creates loving homes. But stopping emotional abuse is not entirely up to professionals. It’s up to everyone. Parents may love and discipline. Teachers can infuse kindness into schools. Friends can listen and be a source of assistance. Every demonstration of care guards vulnerable youth.
In brief, emotional abuse is a silent crisis with concrete effects. It destroys the health and welfare of children across the world. But through social activism, compassion, and awareness, we can safeguard their minds and hearts. Their future is at stake, and healing their wounds now makes for a better tomorrow for everyone.
Mohammad Arfat Wani, a writer, social activist, and medical student from Kuchmulla Tral
