In fact, according to one study , severe emotional abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse and contribute to depression and low self-esteem. The study also suggested that emotional abuse may contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What are some symptoms of emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse signs and symptomsDelayed or inappropriate emotional development.Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem.Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm.Depression.Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus.Desperately seeks affection.More items •5 Oct 2018

What are the signs of Gaslighting?

Signs of gaslightingno longer feeling like the person you used to be.being more anxious and less confident than you used to be.often wondering if youre being too sensitive.feeling like everything you do is wrong.always thinking its your fault when things go wrong.apologizing often.More items •21 Jul 2020

Why do emotional abuse victims stay?

Many victims believe if they stay things will go back to how they were at the beginning. Emotional abuse is designed to chip away at self-confidence and feelings of self-worth and independence. This is done to prevent them from recognising they are in an abusive situation and to increase dependency on the perpetrator.