Episode 6: Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse. It's a beast.  It's confusing.  It's a mind fuck.  Here are some indicators and what they sound like:
-does things, denies it later (GASLIGHTING)
           ("What do you mean? I didn't do that.  You're remembering it wrong.")
-terrorizes, then acts like nothing happened
           (Throws a big fit about this or that, throws things, intimidates, threatens, and then 10                minutes after the fight acts like everything is business as usual.)
-projects responsibility
           ("I wouldn't have to be so _____ if you weren't so _____." "I wouldn't drink if you weren't               such a nag or the kids weren't so loud.")
-displays weapons to scare you
-convinces you they know better than you do
         ("That's not what happened.  You know I have a better memory than you.")
-controls minute aspects of victim's life - food, fun, friend, etc.
         (What to wear, hair color, who to talk to, when to be home, what to eat....)
-Threatens to hurt or kill themselves or others
         (Also passive suicidal ideation when they feel hurt by you or others; "The world would be better without me. Nobody would miss me.")

Each one of these could really have their own episode, especially Gaslighting.  That might be a future episode in itself, but if you're interested in what Gaslighting looks like you can find a perfect example in Disney's 'Tangled.' Mother Gothel is a pro and this YouTube video breaks it down perfectly. 
Thanks for listening.

Here’s the power and control wheel and red flags charts that I reference in this and other episodes. If you or a loved one are experiencing abuse, or even questioning if what you are experiencing is normal, I encourage you to check out these resources.

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Have you ever wondered if it's abuse or just... "Marriage is hard, right? Mine is Exhibit A!"