Effects of Violence
Warning: The following includes frank discussions of eating disorders, self-harm behaviors and alcohol and drug abuse and could be triggering for some people.
There is no "right" way to handle an abnormal situation. Whether the violence is Emotional, Physical or Sexual people have different reactions to being violated. Below are some common reactions to trauma. Sometimes people experience one or a combination of reactions-for instance someone with an eating disorder may also be using drugs or alcohol to cope.
Eating Disorders- This is not an unusual coping skill, most eating disorders about control, abuse is absolutely about power and control so many people in abusive relationships turn to eating disorders to feel like they have some control over themselves and their bodies.
Web Resources:
ANRED
Anorexia
Eating Disorders
Bulimia
Cutting/Self-Harm- Self-harm can include cutting, burning, pulling out hair or any physical harm that someone deliberately does to themselves. This is a coping skill associated with severe internal pain and trauma and though it is not often a suidical behavior it is extremely serious and can lead to death. Women who self harmed were 75 times more likely to report partner abuse than women who did not. Men who self harmed were over twice as likely to report partner abuse as those who did not. (Emergency Medical Journal)
To Write Love On Her Arms
Drug and Alcohol Abuse- It is not uncommon to see victim/ survivors of assault use drugs and alcohol to cope with the feelings and hurt that comes from such an assault. Though it may "feel" better in the moment the feelings and trauma are repressed and can often become worst due to the drugs and alcohol. This type of coping can lead to addiction and death. This is a very common response to such trauma and can be associated with other forms of negative coping skills like cutting.
narcotics anonymous
alcoholics anonymous
alanon
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- PTSD is extremely common after life changing events and is often associated with trouble sleeping and nightmares/ jumpiness. For more information please use this link to the national center for PTSD.
Suicide- If you are currently thinking of suicide PLEASE reach out for HELP!! Sometimes the pain of an abuse can be too much and some may feel like suicide is the only option.
Talk to someone you trust: Do you have a friend or relative that you can talk to? Do you have a counselor or therapist that you can call? Is there someone else in your life that you can talk to (a religious leader, coach or teacher)?
Suicide hotline: If there’s no one in your life that you feel comfortable talking to about your suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK. Your call will be confidential, and the counselors there can help!
Call 911 or go to the hospital
If you have already taken steps to harm yourself or feel that you can’t stop yourself from committing suicide, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Tell the person on the phone or the front desk at the emergency room that you are suicidal.
Depression- One of the most common psychological reactions to trauma is depression.
The symptoms for depression include:
Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
Change in appetite with significant weight loss (without dieting) or weight gain Loss of energy or persistent fatigue or lethargy
Significant change in sleep patterns (insomnia, sleeping too much, fitful sleep, etc.)
Loss of interest and pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, social withdrawal.
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or inappropriate guilt Pessimism or indifference
Unexplained aches and pains (headaches, stomachaches)
Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness Irritability, worry, anger, agitation, or anxiety Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and it is not something that someone can make him/herself "snap out of."
