Is Your Depression a Result of Emotional or Psychological Abuse?

Depression robs us of joy, motivation, productivity, and fulfillment. It may be caused by unresolved past grief, current life challenges, and issues with brain chemistry.

What is often overlooked, however, is the role of relationships in depression.

If you are knowingly or unknowingly living with a psychological and emotional abuser, this may contribute significantly to your depression symptoms.

What makes this fact more difficult to recognize is the nature of emotional abuse itself.

The abuser paints a picture of reality for the victim that convinces him or her that the "defect" or "weakness" is the victim's problem.

Here are 5 signs that your depression may well be a result of emotional and psychological abuse.

1. Your partner puts you down, either publicly or privately. These insults or criticisms may be subtle or blatant, but they serve the same purpose. If you are all too familiar with a sinking, demoralized feeling after talking with your partner, that is not a good sign. His or her comments are designed to make you feel inferior, less competent, and even mentally ill.

2. Your partner attempts to control your activities. You may feel pressured or required to report your daily activities, and endure criticism or even anger at how you have chosen to spend your time. This is a sign of emotional and psychological abuse.

3. Your partner pressures you or coerces you into reducing or eliminating the time you spend with friends and family. This serves a twofold purpose for the abuser. It again asserts his or her control over your behavior, and also prevents you from receiving healthier messages about yourself or criticism of your abuser from your loved ones. Isolation id a very effective method of controlling your mindset.

4. Your partner uses sex as a weapon or tool to control you. While a difference in sex drive occurs at points in any relationship, what we are talking about here is a deliberate withholding of sex or affection, or demands that you meet his or her sexual requests, regardless of your desires or emotional state.

5. Your partner implies non-physical threats for non-compliance with his or her demands and requests. This may be mixed with an occasional indulgence or kindness, but this gesture does not come from a place of love and sacrifice. It is a deliberate tactic to draw you back into the relationship and plant (false) hope that things will improve.

Are you interested in addressing your depression from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html

Shannon Cook is a personal growth and relationship expert who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.