Understanding the Connection Between Abuse and Mental Health
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring conversations and awareness to mental health and suicide.
For organizations supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, this conversation is especially important. Abuse affects more than someone’s physical safety. Living with fear, control, isolation, threats, or violence can have an impact on a survivor’s emotional and mental well-being.
Understanding that connection is an important part of supporting survivors and reminding those who are struggling that help is available.
When Abuse Impacts Mental Health
Domestic violence is about power and control. Over time, experiencing that control can affect nearly every part of a survivor’s life.
An abusive partner may isolate someone from friends and family, control their finances, monitor their technology, threaten them, undermine their confidence, or make it difficult to access healthcare and other support.
Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, hopelessness, or other effects of trauma. For some, that can include thoughts of suicide.
These feelings should never be viewed as a personal failure. They can occur in the context of prolonged trauma and circumstances that may make someone feel as though their options have disappeared.
Recognizing When Someone May Need Support
There is no single way that someone experiencing abuse or a mental health crisis will behave. However, changes such as withdrawing from people or activities, expressing hopelessness, or talking about death or suicide can signal that someone needs additional support.
If someone confides in you, you don't need the perfect response.
Start by listening.
Believe what they tell you and avoid judgment or pressure. Remind them that they deserve safety and support. When appropriate, help connect them with trained professionals who can provide confidential assistance:
Safe Monroe: 24-hour, confidential hotline: 570-421-4200
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
For survivors of domestic violence, it is also important to remember that leaving an abusive relationship can be a particularly dangerous time. Rather than telling someone to leave, an advocate can help them consider their circumstances and create a personalized safety plan.
Mental Health Is Part of Survivor Support
Supporting survivors means recognizing the full impact trauma can have on someone's life.
It means creating spaces where people can talk about abuse and mental health without shame. It also means making resources accessible and giving survivors the ability to make informed decisions about what safety and healing look like for them.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, Safe Monroe is here to help. Our services are free and confidential.
Safe Monroe 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 570-421-4200
Our advocates can provide support, information, resources, and safety planning based on your individual needs.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, you can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.