Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
Self-respect and respect for others is a key characteristic of healthy relationships. In contrast, in unhealthy relationships, one partner tries to exert control and power over the other physically, sexually, and/or emotionally.
Healthy relationships share certain characteristics including Mutual respect, Trust, Compromise, Individuality, Honesty, Anger Control, Good Communication, Problem-solving, Understanding, Self-confidence, and Healthy Sexuality.
Maintaining open lines of communication can help in forming healthy relationships and recognizing the signs of unhealthy relationships, thus preventing violence before it starts.
Am I in an Abusive Relationship?
Take a short quiz to determine how healthy your relationship is
6 Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Verbal & Emotional Abuse
Mental & Physical Abuse
Financial & Emotional Abuse
Cultural & Identity Abuse
How Trauma Affects You
It is not always easy to know if behaviors are being influenced trauma. Trauma could be recent, or in the distant past, such as from childhood. Below is a list of behavioral identifiers that may result from traumatic experiences. If you identify with more than one, talking with a counselor may help release the pain and lead to healing.
Keeping Secrets
Shame thrives in secrecy. Trauma survivors may bury experiences and emotions. Painful hidden secrets need to be explored and released for healing to begin.
Growing Up Fast
“I’ve had to make adult decisions as a child.” The result may lead to emotional distancing and inability to trust others.
Pushing Others Away
The inability to trust and rely on others can be caused by a number of factors related to past trauma such as fear of intimacy and low self-esteem.
Sensing Danger
Processing sensory threats due to past trauma is common. Being overly wary of situations can be addressed in a healthy way.
Denying Feelings & Needs
If you have trouble expressing your own needs and desires, or even recognizing them, you may be co-dependent. Individual or group therapy can be very helpful to acknowledge and express feelings that may have been buried since childhood. This can lead to healthier close relationships.