Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence and Mental Health—What You Need to Know
If you're reading this and wondering if what you're feeling is normal, or if you’re struggling in a situation that just doesn’t feel right, you're not alone. It’s okay to feel confused, unsure, or even scared to ask for help. Whether you're dealing with difficult emotions, or you're in a relationship that feels unhealthy, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. But there is help, and it’s not as hard to reach as you might think.
This month, during Domestic Violence Awareness Monthand National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, we’re talking about the connections between abusive relationships and mental health struggles. Many people don’t realize how abuse can affect their emotional well-being or how the feelings they’ve been carrying—like sadness, anxiety, or stress—are signals that something is wrong. Let’s break it down.
What is Domestic Violence, and How Does It Affect Your Mental Health?
Domestic violence doesn’t just mean physical harm. It can also mean emotional abuse, controlling behaviors, or constantly feeling afraid of how someone might react. It can make you feel isolated, anxious, or even like everything is your fault. Over time, these feelings can lead to deeper mental health issues like depression, anxiety and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You might notice that you’re feeling down all the time, can’t sleep well, or are on edge, always expecting the worst. It’s important to recognize these signs because they aren’t things you should just "tough out"—they’re signs that something deeper is going on.
Do You Need a Mental Health Screening?
You may have heard about getting a mental health screeningbut aren’t sure if it’s for you. A mental health screening is simply a quick check-in to see how you’re doing emotionally and mentally. It can help you understand if what you’re feeling is something you should talk to someone about, like a counselor or therapist.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, down, or stuck, ascreening might be a good first step to figuring out what’s going on. Think of it like going to the doctor when you’re feeling physically sick—except this is for your emotional health. You don’t have to wait until things are really bad to ask for help. Early help can prevent things from getting worse, and you deserve to feel better.
Asking for Help Doesn’t Make You Weak
Sometimes, it can feel like admitting you’re strugglingmakes you weak, but that’s not true. Asking for help is a sign of strength. It means you care enough about yourself to get the support you need. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or are in a relationship where you don’t feel safe or respected, reaching out to someone can make all the difference.
There’s a saying, "Hurt people, hurt people." It means that when people don’t deal with their pain, they sometimes end up hurting others or continuing a cycle of hurt. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. You can break that cycle by taking steps to heal, whether that’s through therapy, talking to a trusted friend, or getting help from professionals who understand what you’re going through.
How Do You Know If You Need Help?
You might wonder, "Do I really need help?" Ifyou’ve been feeling down, trapped, constantly anxious, or unsure about your relationship, it’s worth talking to someone. You don’t need to have all the answers to reach out for support. It can be as simple as saying, “I’m not okay, and I don’t know what to do.”
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to about your relationship or if you feel unsafe (1-800-799-SAFE).
- Online Mental Health Screenings: You can find free, confidential screenings online to help you figure out if what you’re feeling is something you should talk to a therapist about.
- Support Groups or Counseling: There are counselors and support groups that understand what you’re going through and can help you take small steps toward feeling better.
Breaking the Cycle Starts with You
If you’re in a situation where you feel like you're stuck,know that you have the power to take control of your mental and emotional health. Whether you're dealing with the impact of domestic violence or just feel like you're drowning in sadness or stress, help is out there. Early intervention—talking to someone before things get worse—can make a huge difference in your life. You don’t have to carry this weight alone.
Remember, asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you strong. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and understood, and taking that first step can set you on the path to healing. Breaking the silence is the first step toward breaking the cycle.
