What is abuse?
There are many types of abuse, all of which can be very distressing to experience and can have a long-lasting impact on your mental wellbeing.
Dealing with abuse
Abuse can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
There are different types of abuse - but all of them can be really difficult to deal with. This page has practical information and advice to help.
How can abuse impact your mental health?
Any kind of abuse is really difficult to experience and it can lead to other mental health conditions including depression and PTSD.
What you need to know about abuse
There are many types of abuse, but widely speaking when we talk about abuse we mean a person or people hurting you in a sexual, physical or psychological way.
Some types of abuse are difficult to recognise. You might not even notice that what you’re experiencing is abuse at first. You can experience more than one type of abuse at the same time.
All types of abuse can be extremely distressing. If you’re currently being abused, or are struggling with thoughts and feelings relating to abuse you’ve experienced in the past, it's important to get help. You can find tailored support for what you're going through here.
If you're struggling to move forward or are feeling suicidal because of abuse you're facing you can speak to CALM in confidence.
CALM’s professional helpline staff are available from 5pm to midnight every day. They can help you explore how you’re feeling and will talk things through without judgement. They'll give practical advice and suggestions to help you find a way to get help and feel better. Find out more about CALM's helpline here.
Why do people experience abuse?
No one deserves to be abused, and if you are experiencing
abuse there are lots of organisations and places to go for support –
these range from emergency services and authorities, to charity
organisations set up to provide help, support and guidance. Often people
that abuse others have their own problems, but that never makes it ok.
If you are worried about your own behaviour you can find more
information here.
Where can I find help?
- If you're feeling suicidal or have thoughts of harming yourself, talk to CALM. Our helpline is open from 5pm to midnight every day. Find out more here.
- Outside of these hours, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
- Contact your GP for an appointment.
- Self-refer yourself to NHS Psychological Therapies here
- NHS Domestic violence support
- NHS rape and sexual assault support
- Respect Mens Advice Line
- Refuge Women and Children's domestic violence support
- Childline - for children and teenagers experiencing abuse
Illustration by Guy Field
