Depression is a common problem for many people at some point in their lives. Sometimes, challenges in a relationship contribute in a huge way to the issue. If there is a component of emotional abuse, the victim may not realize that the biggest problem stems from the abusive behavior of the partner. Due to the tendency of the abuser to convince the victim that they are at fault, inferior or crazy, it may not occur to the abused partner that improvement in his or her depressive symptoms may be accomplished by removing the influence of that relationship. Here are 4 signs that emotional abuse might be the root cause of your depression:
1. Your partner puts you down, publicly or privately. The insults or criticisms may be subtle or blatant. Your partner is attempting to convince you that you are inferior to him or her, unable to function well, and may cause you to question reality. It may even cause you to wonder if you are going crazy.
2. Your partner attempts to control your activities. He or she may demand an account of your daily activities, questioning or criticizing your choices. You may also feel pressure to withdraw and spend less time with your friends and family. This serves two purposes -- it asserts the abusive partner's control, and removes the positive influence of your loved ones. They will be less likely and able to give you a more accurate perspective on your relationship.
3. Your partner uses sex as a method of control. Everyone has moments in their relationship where the sex drives of the partners do not match. However, this is a different situation in which there is a pervasive pattern of sex being used as a tool to get what the abuser wants. The desire for control may manifest through demands for intimacy despite your feelings or desires. Conversely, your abuser may withhold sex and intimacy deliberately, leaving you feeling vulnerable, rejected, and even more worthless.
4. Your partner implies other non-physical punishments if you do not comply with his or her demands. This may be interspersed with occasional rewards or kindnesses. Rather than being an act of love and concern however, these positive behaviors are a tactic designed to throw you off balance, draw you back into the relationship, and give you false hope that the relationship will improve and the abuser will change.
Are you interested in addressing your depression from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?
For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html
Shannon Cook is a personal growth and relationship expert who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.
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