Healing after abuse
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Recovering from an abusive relationship is possible. Here are helpful steps on how to heal and prioritize your well-being in the process.
A range of intense emotions may pop up when recovering from an abusive relationship — all of which are valid.
Depending on the situation, you may experience some of the following thoughts or feelings:
• missing your ex
• feeling lonely or isolated
• debating going back to the relationship
• feeling uncertain or unable to make decisions by yourself
• feelings of anxiety or depression
• finding it difficult to feel independent
• a lingering fear or sense of being in danger
• symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You may have positive feelings, too. Sometimes a survivor can feel a sense of freedom, as if a weight has been lifted off of their shoulders.
Some days, you might feel strong, happy, and confident in your decision. Other days you may be overwhelmed by sadness and anxiety and question everything. All of these feelings, from feeling free and empowered to feeling lonely and missing your ex, are completely normal.
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How long does it take to heal?
When someone leaves an abusive relationship, healing isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. Survival does.
There’s no set time frame to healing, as each survivor’s experience is different.
But what is there is possibility — the possibility to get to a place where you know, understand, and can respond appropriately to your triggers
Healing
The healing process isn’t linear, but there are ways to find relief and support along the way.
Create a safety plan (if you haven’t already)
Safety planning can give you a sense of control and protection. You can add responses for different circumstances, such as seeing [your ex] in public or if they contact you on social media.
Make your safety and security the top priority post-breakup, so you can focus on yourself and your healing journey.
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Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries after the relationship is just as important as during it.
Make sure you and your ex are on the same page in terms of communication and behavior. And, if you aren’t — and you very well may not be — remember that your needs and boundaries matter. Be clear in expressing them and confident that you have every right to need the time and space that you need.
Also consider setting digital boundaries, like blocking your ex or taking a social media break.
Knowing that your partner doesn’t have access to you on social media can provide the distance you might need to move through healing at your own pace
If your ex does not respect your boundaries, know you can apply for a Protection Order, for more information on this please read this post. Click here.
Prioritize self-care and self-love
Self-care and self-love is vital because without them, survivors can find themselves in another abusive relationship
Honor your thoughts and feelings as they come up. Journaling is a great way to process your emotions. It can serve as a personal safe space and way to reflect on your growth as time passes. Need a journal? View our Journals available. click here
Use your newfound time to focus on things that build your confidence and help you regain emotional balance. Like picking up an old hobby, or finding a new one.
Repeat healing affirmations
Keep reminding yourself that the abuse was never your fault: “If you have to set an alarm on your phone or write it on a Post-It note, do it.
It can be hard not to look back on your past relationship with rose-colored glasses, or you may feel like you miss your ex-partner, but keep in mind that you’re strong, and you’ll get through it.
Remember that everyone — including you — deserves a healthy relationship where they feel loved, respected, and valued.
Educate yourself about abuse
No matter where you are in your journey, learning about abuse can prevent you from entering similar situations in the future.
You can read more about abuse on our blog:
Read our blog posts here.
When everyone has a better understanding and knowledge of how intimate partner violence works, then we can remove the stigma and get the support and services needed for survivors and perpetrators
Build a strong support system
You don’t have to do this alone. Receiving support can help you feel stronger and more connected during the healing process.
A great support system can include family, friends, a therapist, coach, personal trainer, [and] support group.
Often people in an abusive relationship can be isolated from friends and family, it’s good to reconnect with them. They can emotionally support you, build up your sense of self, and offer a counter to some of the doubts or negative thoughts we can have about ourselves after a breakup.
Ask for help
Consider seeing a therapist or mental health professional. Therapy can teach you helpful skills for coping after an abusive relationship and offer further support during the recovery process.
Don’t let shame or embarrassment stop you from getting your needs met.
Contact us! We can assist you with counselling! We also have a WhatsApp support group for survivors of abuse - Email info@silentrights.co.za
Looking ahead
If you’ve recently been in an abusive relationship, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault.
There’s no solid answer as to how long it takes to heal after any type of abusive relationship. But creating a safety plan, practicing self-love, seeing a therapist, setting boundaries, joining support groups, and seeking additional resources can bring you relief.
Breakups aren’t easy. Be patient and kind to yourself, as there’s no ‘right way’ to heal. Healing is possible, though, and you will feel stronger in time.
You’re a survivor, and help is readily available whenever you want or need it.
You made the first brave step — you decided to leave. And as you continue to center yourself, you’re healing in big and small ways every step of the way
Please consider making a donation to Silent Rights to enable us to keep helping victims of abuse and violence. You can make a donation through paypal here.
Read more blog posts:
- Why an Abuser Will Do Whatever It Takes to Sabotage You
- The Myth of the Overworked Narcissist
- Why Narcissists Always Bring Up the Past
- You Are Not Crazy, Your Self-Worth is Inherent
- What Happens When You Treat a Narcissist the Way They Treat You?
- Discarding the Narcissist vs. Being Discarded by the Narcissist
- What Victims of Narcissistic Abuse Need to Know
- Why the Silent Treatment is the Best Way to Starve a Narcissist
- Love Bombing: Recognizing the Signs and Protecting Your Heart
- Preventing Teen Dating Violence: Education and Awareness
- Recognizing and Avoiding One-Sided Relationships
- Intersectionality and Abuse: Addressing the Unique Challenges Faced by Different Communities
- Nurturing Emotional Intelligence: Managing Aggression in Children
- The Role of Therapy and Counseling in Recovery from Abuse and Violence
- Protecting Against Digital Abuse
- When Your Adult Child Becomes an Abuser
- Oppose all forms of child abuse：The rights and interests of children are inviolable
- Identifying Narcissistic Behavior
- The Manipulative Web of Abusers: How They Use Everything and Everyone to Break You Down
- The Painful Reality: How Abusers Weaponize Children in Custody Battles
- Supporting a Loved One in an Abusive Relationship: A Guide to Providing Help
- The Importance of Planning for Your Future After Abuse
- How Talking About Your Abuse Can Help You Heal
- Harnessing the Healing Power of Affirmations with Action After Abuse
- South African Heritage Day: Celebrating Diversity, Unity, and Identity
- Social Media Safety – Common Social Media Scams
- Celebrating Women’s Day in South Africa: A Tribute to Resilience and Progress
- Recognizing the Signs: Identifying Domestic Abuse Patterns
- Navigating Parenthood Together: Understanding Parallel Parenting and Coparenting
- Do You Know Your Marriage Regime?
- Rebuilding Self-Esteem and Confidence: Tools and Techniques for Women after Abuse
- The Devastating Effects of Domestic Abuse on Victims and Their Children
- Betrayal and Healing: The Impact of Infidelity on Wives, Families, and Relationships
- Cybercrime and Domestic Violence
- Understanding Domestic Abuse
- Holding Your Abuser Accountable: The Importance of Opening a Case and Applying for a Protection Order
- Breaking the Silence: Confronting Gender-Based Violence Head-On
- The Power of Healing Quotes: Words that Mend the Soul
- Harnessing the Power of Affirmations for Healing from Abuse
- Navigating the Path to Love: Starting Dating After Experiencing Abuse
- Explaining to Your Child Why You Aren’t with an Abusive Parent: A Guide to Nurturing Understanding and Healing
- Processing Anger After Experiencing an Abusive Relationship
- Navigating Coparenting with an Abuser
- How to Deal with Narcissistic Family Members
- Escaping the Darkness: Planning Your Exit Strategy in an Abusive Relationship
- The Road to Healing: Processing Trauma and Building Resilience after Abuse
- From Victim to Survivor: Embracing a New Identity
- Parenting through Healing
- Recognizing Red Flags: Safeguarding Yourself from Toxic Relationships
- Love After Abuse: Healthy Relationships and Red Flags
- Thriving Beyond Abuse: Creating a Life of Joy and Fulfillment
- The Crucial Role of Self-Reflection in Escaping an Abusive Relationship
- The Healing Power of Journaling: Transforming Pain into Empowerment
- The Power of Financial Independence: Empowering Women to Escape Abusive Relationships
- Help create a precedent for Cyber Crime
- When a victim shares trauma
- Signs Someone Is Manipulating You
- WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!
- Survivor Story: Ena Berger
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Co-parenting with a Narcissist
- Regain Your Self-Respect
- Common causes of domestic violence in relationship
- Self-care Tips To Heal From Trauma And Abuse
- How to Set Boundaries
- Gaslighting
- Healing after an abusive relationship
- Signs Of Sexual Abuse
- Abuse by proxy
- Rape culture
- Stalking!
- What is Harassment?
- Different types of Narcissists
- Courts of South Africa
- Signs of narcissistic behavior
- How to Recognize the Signs of Mental and Emotional Abuse
- Why Do People Abuse?
- Releasing Emotional Pain
- Be careful what you post on social media
- Why do abused women stay?
- Why women don’t feel safe
- Trying to hide the abuse
- Know your Human Rights
- Evidence
- Trauma Bonding
- What is Domestic Abuse?
- Harassment Order
- Protection Orders
