PTSD from domestic and spousal abuse: overcoming mental and emotional trauma
Understanding PTSD from spousal and domestic abuse
PTSD from spousal abuse is heartbreaking. Often, an abusive partner won’t display toxic traits until after marriage, intentionally trapping their spouse. It’s important to understand that domestic abuse isn’t just about physical violence. Mental and emotional abuse is any non-violent act that is aimed to control, isolate and create fear – and not just fear of your spouse, it can also be fear of losing the relationship. Many who endure this form of abuse develop trauma responses that culture deems as normal: aggressiveness, emotional numbness, projection of the past onto current relationships, all in a means to protect oneself. These are signs you have PTSD.
While PTSD is traditionally associated with war, natural disaster, or life-threatening events, it's more common in abusive relationships than once believed. Psychological scars from such abuse can affect you for years, potentially leading to repeated patterns in new relationships or struggles with intimacy.
Types of domestic abuse: physical, mental and emotional
Physical abuse
Physical abuse involves intentional bodily injury, which can impact both physical and mental health. Chronic physical issues with the heart, blood pressure and digestion are common; and mental issues such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders may also persist. Examples of physical abuse include:
Slapping
Choking
Shoving
Inappropriate use or drugs
Physical restraint
Mental and emotional abuse
Mental and emotional abuse, though non-violent, is just as damaging if not worse due to its persisting effects. It often includes behaviors meant to exploit dependence, create fear or control their spouse. Examples include:
Threats and insults
Constant monitoringExcessive jealousy
Manipulation
Humiliation and intimidation
Dismissiveness
Symptoms of PTSD from domestic abuse
The psychological and physical effects of PTSD from domestic abuse are numerous, affecting your ability to function day-to-day. Common symptoms include:
Flashbacks
Trouble focusing
Sweating and trembling
Feeling sick
Physical reactions to certain tastes, smells and sounds
Emotional distress
Anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness
Avoiding triggers and reminders
Hypervigilance or paranoia
Can you get PTSD from mental abuse?
Yes, mental abuse alone can lead to PTSD. Long-term exposure to controlling behaviors, such as gaslighting and isolation can severely affect your mental health, leaving you feeling guarded and afraid of vulnerability in future relationships. Mental abuse often breaks your perception of healthy relationships, making it hard to trust or form genuine connections with others.
The lasting effects of domestic abuse
The most damaging effect of domestic abuse is your broken image in relationships, which can cause you to isolate yourself or keep attracting the same abusive behaviors. In either situation, you are not healed and are missing the biggest blessing relationships can have on your life: love, partnership, growth, joy and community.
Aggressive behaviors to future partners are a trauma response to keep yourself from being vulnerable. Oftentimes, this behavior is coupled with projection of your past onto your future relationships even though they don’t possess the same toxic qualities. When your eye frames are cracked, it’s impossible to see clearly.
Oftentimes, we believe that guarding our hearts and ignoring our emotions makes us strong, however, there’s no power in that, only protection. There’s power in vulnerability when used with wisdom and discretion.
Steps to recovery and healing from PTSD
If you find yourself dealing with PTSD and trigger avoidance, let yourself heal before seeking a future romantic relationship. Jumping into a new relationship before growing from pains, will only make your issues stubborn and stagnate your healing. The resources below are key steps to receive healing:
Therapy and support group links (at the bottom of the page)
Minority and race specific mental health link (at the bottom of the page)
How drip training can help in recovery
At Drip Training, personal fitness goes beyond physical strength – it’s about connecting your physical response to triggers to your mental triggers. We train your capacity for stress, so you're able to control your response under triggering situations. This is possible because your body perceives all stress as the same, whether it’s mental or physical exercise. As we build strength and resilience in your body, let it also transform your mind. Let’s start by contacting Coach Dee here!
Conclusion
Domestic and spousal abuse can have devastating effects, but healing is possible. Whether the abuse was physical, mental or emotional, PTSD is a natural response to trauma. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking the right support – whether through therapy, mindfulness or physical training – you can regain control of your life. Remember, healing takes time, but each step brings you closer to a future filled with strength, growth and peace.
