When someone is verbally aggressive, they use words to hurt, intimidate, or control others. This type of verbal assault can be subtle or overt, but all forms of aggression are harmful to those who experience them. Verbal abuse can occur in romantic relationships, parent-child or sibling relationships, and even workplace situations. It is important for people to understand the different forms of verbal abuse and the impact that they have on a person’s mental health and well-being.
Overt Verbal Abuse
There are many types of overt verbal abuse, including yelling, shouting, and cursing. In some cases, the verbal attack may be physical as well, but overt verbal abuse can also include name-calling and threats. This type of aggression is often not taken seriously, and some people mistakenly believe it’s okay to be abusive. However, verbal abuse is not acceptable and can have lasting consequences for the victim.
Insidious Verbal Abuse
Often, people who engage in verbal abuse are unable to control their emotions and use their words to hurt others, which can have long-lasting effects on victims. Insidious verbal abuse can take the form of excessive criticism, gaslighting (denying your perceptions), or belittling. This type of behavior can cause a person to doubt their own instincts, which can be incredibly damaging to a person’s self-esteem.
People who engage in sarcasm, insults, and putdowns are considered to be engaging in verbal abuse as well. These types of behaviors are not only detrimental to the mental health of victims, but they can also lead to physical symptoms such as aches and pains or headaches.
It’s not uncommon for people who are verbally aggressive to hide their abusive behaviors from others, which makes recognizing and addressing them more difficult. Typically, the abuser will blame their behavior on stress or other factors that are not under their control. They will also often deny that they are abusive and will try to convince others that what they are doing is okay.
In addition to causing psychological harm, verbal abuse can lead to physical problems such as insomnia, aches and pains, or a variety of other issues. Because of this, it is important to recognize verbal abuse and seek help when needed.
The best way to deal with someone who is verbally abusive is to set boundaries and limit contact. In some cases, the abuser will not respect these boundaries, so creating an exit plan should be part of your strategy. You should also work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your aggression, such as seeking treatment from a professional counselor. If you need assistance finding a therapist, online therapy is an excellent option for those who want to receive counseling without leaving home. You can connect with a licensed therapist who is trained to help you overcome your aggression, whether it’s verbal or not.