Domestic abuse often involves repeated exposure to traumatic experiences within the supposed safety of home life and intimate relationships. This prolonged exposure to trauma can have profound effects on mental health. The constant experience of fear, humiliation, and pain can lead to depression, especially when home is no longer a safe place. Depression may manifest as persistent sadness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, or a constant lack of energy in such hostile environments. Domestic violence victims live in constant worry about the next attack, which forces them into a hyper-vigilant state. They can never relax because anything could trigger the next attack, leading to intense anxiety, increased heart rate, muscle tension, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, or an exaggerated startle response. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health consequence of domestic violence. It can persist long after physical wounds have healed or the abuse has ended, making it difficult for survivors to form healthy relationships. However, with therapy, time, and efforts to build healthy relationships, survivors can move forward and live without the shadow of past trauma affecting them. If you are in a violent relationship, know that you can break free from the abuse. Once you are away from the stress, trauma, and fear of domestic violence, your mental and physical health can begin to heal. This will improve your daily life and make you better able to support and contribute to your community.
source: https://divorceattorneyut.com/how-domestic-violence-affects-mental-health/
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