Domestic Violence and Mental Health - Violence against Women
Domestic violence can be completely devastating on an individual; apart from any physical harm, and even after a woman is able to escape an abusive relationship, women who are victims of domestic violence can often exhibit mental health issues. After leaving a relationship that was plagued by domestic violence, it is important for a victim to receive proper treatment in order to help support their mental health recovery.
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and high levels of stress are all mental health issues that can be derived from abusive relationships. For a female victim, it can often be difficult to reach out for help or even understand the problem. It is important for them to know, however, that although such trauma can be extremely difficult to comprehend, there are treatment options available to them, specifically through a combination of counselling services and other positive rehabilitation tactics.
When a victim of trauma exhibits symptoms of mental health issues, people must acknowledge them and have a responsibility to offer help. Whether they lend a helping hand or are able to point a victim in the direction of professional help, it is key that a victim of domestic violence not feel like an outsider in the world.
Women are sometimes not believed, victimized, or even ignored when they try to tell their personal stories. People often turn a blind eye and choose to not address the problem, leaving the female victim even more isolated and leading to more substantial mental health problems. Domestic violence trauma can in some cases, even, lead victims to having suicidal thoughts. While it is very unfortunate that these are truths, it is very important to discuss these issues and provide treatment for those who are in need.
We can start by listening to victims. By hearing their stories and giving them the assistance they need. Often, it can be extremely difficult for an individual to leave an abusive relationship; sometimes taking care of mental health problems can become an afterthought or forgotten altogether, but that needs to end.
Counselling services are one way to start the path to a positive, healthy mental space. While a counsellor may be able to offer advice or tips to fight triggers of traumatic memories, help rebuild trust in relationships, and make a victim feel safe, one of the most important things to do is to just let it out. Talking about issues can make them less daunting, will make female victims of domestic violence feel more included in society, and will foster a sense of community that can be used to fight mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.
There are many ideas about how to treat mental health issues, but one of the most positive ways to start thinking about a possible cure is to have a discussion. Trauma, as a result of mental health, can be devastating for female victims of domestic violence. Talking about that trauma, although it may be almost unbearable at times, is a way to provide healing for a victim. But it is equally as important to have someone listening on the other end.
Our March Mental Health Seminar aims to discuss some of these issues and bring to light treatment options for women who have suffered from domestic violence and are having issues with their mental health. To learn more, we urge anyone who is interested to attend our seminar, where you you can trust the guidance of our professional counselors to provide knowledge, treatment options, and a helping hand to those in need. Mental health is a serious topic and we are dedicated to having a responsible, professional discussion about it in order to lead to positive change.