| Emotional abuse is present in certain relationships and | | | | 2. Spend as much time around supportive, loving |
| is very damaging to the victim. Though there may be | | | | people as possible. This may be friends and family, |
| no bruises, being constantly ridiculed, put down, and | | | | and/or could include a counselor or coach. Not only do |
| made to feel incompetent or crazy causes a lot of | | | | you need to fill your social calendar and avoid |
| long term damage. It is difficult to shake off the | | | | isolation, you also need the counterprogramming that |
| aftereffects of this "programming" by the emotional | | | | your loved ones can provide you. In the aftermath |
| abuser, but recovery is possible. Here are 3 steps | | | | of an emotionally abusive relationship, victims will |
| that can help you succeed at overcoming the | | | | frequently carry around the messages of criticism |
| emotional abuse you have walked away from: | | | | and self doubt even after the relationship has been |
| 1. Take care of yourself physically. As odd as it | | | | terminated. See you friends, and listen to them. |
| sounds, one of the first steps to emotional recovery | | | | 3. Honor your instincts. As you meet new people or |
| is a physical one. Not only does the body's health | | | | interact on current relationships, begin to hone in on |
| impact the mind's, but the act of caring for yourself | | | | how they make you feel. Are you energized and |
| is a powerful affirmation that you are valuable and | | | | positive when you spend time with this person? Or |
| worth the effort of eating right, exercising, and | | | | do you feel anxious, small or confused? These were |
| taking supplements. Reduce your intake of junk food, | | | | likely the feelings you experienced when around your |
| and eat a lot of fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, | | | | emotional abuser, but perhaps you tuned them out. |
| and lean proteins. Work out regularly in a | | | | Now is the time to pay attention to red flags, |
| doctor-approved exercise program, emphasizing | | | | especially when you get to the point of meeting |
| cardiovascular exercise if possible. | | | | potential new relationships. |