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Mental health effects of violence

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If you have been abused or attacked, you may feel terribly afraid, confused, shocked, angry, or emotionally numb. Every woman is different, and all these feelings are natural.

Experiencing abuse or an attack can lead to serious mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. If you have experienced violence, a mental health professional can help. A counselor or therapist can work with you to deal with your emotions, build self-esteem, and develop coping skills. You can ask your doctor for the name of a therapist, or search an online list of mental health services. Learn more about getting help for your mental health.

Some abused women try using drugs, alcohol, smoking, or overeating to cope, but this can lead to greater physical and emotional problems. Talk to a doctor, nurse, or therapist for help with these behaviors. Look for healthy ways to reduce stress. Try exercise, deep-breathing or other relaxation techniques, and reaching out for support to friends, family, and community groups.

Sometimes, violence that happened long ago still can affect you. Even if many years have passed since you were abused, you still can get help from a mental health professional.

If you know children who have been abused or witnessed abuse, you can help them. Listen to them, and show love and concern. Talk to a nurse, doctor, or therapist about professional help for them.

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More information on mental health effects of violence

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Mental Health — This section of womenshealth.gov provides information on taking care of your mental health throughout the different stages of your life.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/

Explore other publications and websites

• Common Reactions After Trauma — This fact sheet describes the feelings a person may have after a traumatic event. It also discusses where to go for help and who to talk to about your feelings.
  http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/common-reactions-after-trauma.asp
• Effects of Sexual Violence (Copyright © Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) — This publication discusses the possible effects of sexual assault, including pregnancy and depression.
  http://www.rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault
• Let's Talk Facts About Domestic Violence (Copyright © American Psychiatric Association) — This fact sheet explains what domestic violence is and the mental health effects of abuse. It also gives information on how you can get help and leave an abuser.
  http://healthyminds.org/Document-Library/Brochure-Library/Domestic-Violence.aspx
• Mental Health Services Locator — This website will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
  http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — Many people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after lving through something that is upsetting and dangerous. This publication discusses the importance of getting help for symptoms associated with PTSD, and provides a checklist of the physical and mental symptoms of PTSD.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-easy-to-read/index.shtml
• Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life — This brochure offers tips for coping with the aftermath of trauma.
  http://store.samhsa.gov/product/NMH02-0139

Connect with other organizations

• American Psychological Association
  http://apa.org/
• American Trauma Society
  http://www.amtrauma.org/
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  http://www.nami.org/
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  http://www.thehotline.org/
• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
  http://www.rainn.org/

Content last updated May 18, 2011.

Resources last updated May 18, 2011.

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