How abuse causes depression?

The impact of abuse can linger for years or even decades if left unrecognized and untreated. For individuals who experience abuse, the negative impact of verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse is often internalized, meaning that the negative messages associated with abuse begin to be repeated within the survivor's mind and believe as true. For example, if a child is continually verbally, emotionally, or physically abused by a parent, that child will most likely form the core belief “I am flawed and bad,” “I am unlovable,” or “I don’t deserve love.” Children are most likely to blame themselves for the abuse, and they may not have a broader awareness of the world at large to help them realize that the adult inflicting the abuse is wrong, abusing their power, or is not justified in their actions. Most children may idealize parents or adults because they are older, have more power, life experience, and authority.

Not only can childhood abuse, bullying, or abusive relationships lead to low self-esteem and frequent negative, automatic thoughts or core beliefs, but it can also lead to chronically depressed mood, feelings of loneliness, alienation, difficulties trusting others or forming other relationships, and lead to frequent feelings of self-doubt and emotional regulation problems. Furthermore, if survivors of abuse experience repeated abuse and cannot stand up for themselves, express feelings openly, or acknowledge and identify needs, then survivors learn to hold painful unexpressed emotions inside, which can often lead to depression. Experiencing abuse can also lead to self-harming behavior and suicidal thoughts as the survivor might feel that there is no escape, outlet, or relief from painful emotions. If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Key features of intimate partner violence or domestic violence, according to the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, are isolation from friends and family, controlling what is acceptable to say, express, or do, threats or acts of violence, manipulation and intimidation, and minimizing or denying the abuse, and blaming the victim. Because survivors may also feel unsafe to express their emotions, identify or take care of their own needs, and often begin to believe the abuser’s statements, they often become depressed, feel hopeless, and suffer from low self-esteem. Furthermore, gaslighting, a tactic used to undermine a survivors’ sense of self, make them think they are crazy or question their reality. This can also contribute to crippling self-doubt, low self-esteem, depressed mood, and a belief that they are not in control of their life and will never leave the relationship or survive without their abuser. Furthermore, the abuser often tries to control and limit the survivors’ movements, interactions with friends and family, or even work or go outside the home. As survivors begin to feel more isolated, they may come to believe and internalize the abuser’s statements more and more. However, with the support of professionals, community resources, and existing support systems, it is possible to escape from and begin to heal from abuse. If you have been experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.