Domestic Abuse And Suicide Prevention: How To Help A Loved One

Heads up! This post comes from Michelle Peterson from RecoveryPride.org . Be very informed..... Domestic Abuse And Suicide Prevention: How ...

Heads up! This post comes from Michelle Peterson from RecoveryPride.org. Be very informed.....

Domestic Abuse And Suicide Prevention: How To Help A Loved One

 

Domestic abuse could affect up to one in three women during their lifetime, yet we still don’t know the full scope of partner abuse because only about half of all violent incidents are reported to police.

It can be extremely difficult for a victim of abuse to come forward for help, either because they are ashamed or because they are afraid for themselves or their children.

The repercussions of leaving a violent situation are often scarier than staying, so many victims choose to keep themselves in a bad place rather than risk invoking more violence. Sometimes, even when a victim finds the strength to leave, they are faced with guilt, shame, or depression.

These emotions can be very hard to handle, especially if the person feels isolated, and many victims of abuse often do. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, so it’s important for them to have a strong support system after they leave. Here are the best tips for helping a loved one who is the victim of abuse.

Know your limits

As much as you may want to help someone you love get out of a bad situation, ultimately it’s up to them to make the decision to leave. It’s extremely important at this delicate stage to let your loved one know you are there for them, that there is help available, and that they don’t have to live in an abusive situation anymore. Help them to see their options and form a strong unit of support with family members and friends so that they feel safe.

Be prepared

There are many different types of abuse, including physical, mental, and emotional, and these all affect people in different ways. 

Your loved one may have trouble feeling safe, loved, or capable after leaving such a situation, so it’s important that you help them become acclimated to their new life, especially if they have children. 

This can include helping them find employment or a new place to live, finding a new school for the kids, or taking them in for a brief period until they get settled in somewhere new. Such a big life change can be overwhelming and your loved one will likely be going through a range of emotions every day, which is to be expected.

Those emotions can have a big impact, however, if they are left untouched. Victims of abuse often need to seek counseling or therapy after leaving the situation in order to come to terms with what happened to them, or to regain their self-esteem.

Leaving feelings of self-hatred, doubt, shame, and anger unchecked can be dangerous for the victim in the long run and can affect their daily lives by altering mood and physical well-being.

Depression is common in abuse victims, so it’s important to watch for warning signs of suicidal thoughts. These include:

● Voicing feelings of hopelessness or despair

● Feeling guilty

● Suddenly giving away possessions

● Making plans for their children to be taken care of

● Changes in sleeping and eating habits

● Physical decline

● Reckless behavior

● Suddenly getting into legal trouble

● Turning to drugs or alcohol

Get professional help

Substance abuse is, unfortunately, a common problem for victims of abuse.

Drugs and alcohol often leave the user feeling more calm or able to sleep, but actually they have the opposite effect on the body and brain.

If you suspect your loved one is having issues with drugs or alcohol, help them seek professional assistance in overcoming the abuse. Realize that you can’t do everything yourself.

If you suspect your loved one is having suicidal thoughts, let them know you’re there for them, and don’t be afraid to bring up your concerns.

Victims of abuse need to know that they are being heard and taken seriously, so listen to what they have to say and offer to help them in whatever way they need.

Special thanks to Michelle Peterson from RecoveryPride.org !