+

Finding a therapist is exhausting.

That's why we vet therapists for you.

Find a vetted therapist
May 17, 2024

PTSD From Emotional Abuse Test

Kristie Plantinga
,
MA
black man sits with a city street behind him looking down at his hands; ptsd from emotional abuse test
Guides
May 17, 2024
2 min to read
Show table of contents

Experiencing emotional abuse can leave deep scars that continue to impact your mental health long after the mistreatment has ended. The effects can be devastating, sometimes causing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

If you find yourself constantly on edge, having intrusive thoughts and memories, or struggling to trust others, know that you are not alone. What you've been through is profoundly difficult and the resulting trauma is completely understandable. 

You are not weak or flawed for carrying this burden. The wounds of emotional abuse run deep, but with the right support, healing is possible. This test is designed to provide insight, not to judge you. 

As you reflect on the questions ahead, approach yourself with the compassion you deserve. Remember that your thoughts and feelings are valid, and that professional help is available if the results point to PTSD stemming from emotional abuse. You have the strength within you to overcome this.

If you suspect that you are still in an abusive situation, please go to the the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Support is available, and there is no shame in seeking support and advice. You're not alone. Survivors are 3 times as likely to meet the criteria for PTSD.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

Take our quiz below ↓

Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

Need more answers?

Frequently asked questions

Can you fully recover from emotional abuse?

Yes, it is possible to fully recover from emotional abuse. According to the Cleveland Clinic (1), emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, can leave deep, lingering wounds. However, it doesn’t have to be a lasting legacy. Here are some tips for starting the healing process:

  • Understanding emotional abuse: Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting help. Emotional abuse can include attempts to control you, dismissing your feelings, isolating you from family and friends, making you doubt yourself, calling you names, withholding affection, and intimidation.
  • Emotional abuse recovery tips: It can take time to heal from an emotionally abusive relationship. A mental health professional can help you recover. There are also strategies you can use on your own to regain your footing.
  • Journaling: Write down everything — what you did, what you said, what you’re feeling. By keeping a record of your life, you can look back when you’re doubting yourself.
  • Stop blaming yourself: Remind yourself — over and over, if necessary — that it isn’t your fault.
  • Don’t engage: If you’re in a situation where you still need to interact with an emotional abuser, try to step back or cut contact completely—whatever is better for you.

Remember, healing is a process and it can take time. Reach out to a mental health professional if you need help navigating this process. You’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you heal.

How do you break the cycle of emotional abuse?

Breaking the cycle of emotional abuse is possible and involves several steps. According to Psychology Today (1), here are some suggestions to begin focusing your energy:

  • Tell yourself the truth: Acknowledge the abuse history. This will require many of you to come out of denial about exactly what was done to you as a child and the impact it has had on your life.
  • Become aware of your risk factors: Identify and change the negative attitudes and beliefs that create a victim or abuser mentality.
  • Decide whether you are a good candidate to become a parent: Learn parenting skills that will ensure that you will not become an abusive parent and pass on neglectful or abusive family patterns.
  • Work on developing more empathy for others and more self-compassion for yourself: This is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of abuse.
  • Continue to work on healing from the abuse or neglect you experienced: Healing is a process and it can take time. Getting professional help from a therapist can be helpful.
  • Learn to identify and manage your emotions: Especially the emotions of shame, anger, and fear.
  • Work toward having equal relationships: This can help prevent the continuation of the cycle of abuse.

Remember, it’s important to seek professional help if you’re dealing with emotional abuse. Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate these difficult situations and can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to break the cycle of abuse.

Start Getting help from a vetted therapist

Get professional help from a trauma therapist.

Written by
Kristie Plantinga
,
MA

Kristie Plantinga is the founder of Best Therapists. Along with being on the client-side of therapy, Kristie has had the honor of working directly with therapists in her marketing agency for therapists, TherapieSEO. While working alongside therapists, she learned about the inequities in our mental health system that therapists face on a daily basis, and she wanted to do something about it. That’s why Best Therapists is a platform designed to benefit not only therapy-seekers, but therapy providers. Kristie has a Masters degree in Written Communication and a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Music.

Reviewed by
Katelyn McMahon
,
Registered Psychotherapist, VT #097.0134200

Katelyn is a therapist-turned-writer with a passion for mental health. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of England and is a Registered Psychotherapist in the state of Vermont. Katelyn has professional experience in aging care, addiction treatment, integrated health care, and private practice settings. She also has lived experience being on the client side of therapy. Currently, Katelyn is a content writer who’s passionate about spreading mental health awareness and helping other therapists and therapy-seekers Do The Work.

Ready to start therapy?

Find a Best Therapists vetted therapist.

Find a therapist
Show sources and research articles
  1. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). How to heal from emotional abuse. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-heal-from-emotional-abuse
  2. Schreiber, K. (2020, June 17). How do you begin to break the cycle of abuse? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-compassion-chronicles/202006/how-do-you-begin-break-the-cycle-abuse