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Understanding the hidden impacts and finding the support you deserve

At Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, both physically and emotionally. But for those living with domestic abuse, safety, stability, and peace of mind can feel out of reach. And the impact on mental health can be profound.

Domestic abuse isn’t just physical violence. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, coercive or controlling. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, background, or relationship type. And it often affects mental health in deep and lasting ways.

How domestic abuse affects mental health

Living with abuse can leave you feeling:

  • Constantly anxious or on edge

  • Worthless or ashamed

  • Depressed or hopeless

  • Afraid to speak or make decisions

  • Trapped, alone, or like you’re “losing yourself”

Many survivors also experience:

  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

  • Panic attacks

  • Sleep problems or nightmares

  • Low self-esteem and self-blame

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

You are not to blame

Abuse is never your fault. No matter what someone tells you, how they act when they’re angry, or what you’ve been made to believe, you did not cause the abuse, and you do not deserve it.

There is a way forward

If you’re struggling with your mental health after (or during) an abusive relationship, it’s okay to ask for help. You are not alone.

Things that may help:

  • Speaking to a trusted friend, GP, or support worker

  • Contacting a domestic abuse service or helpline

  • Accessing mental health support or trauma-informed therapy

  • Practising grounding techniques and self-care

  • Reminding yourself: You deserve to heal. You deserve to feel safe.

Final thoughts

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you deserve support, respect, and the chance to heal. Your mental health matters. You matter.

Whether you’re ready to leave, starting to recover, or still figuring it all out, there is no “right way” to cope. Just know that there is hope, and there is help.