Domestic Violence and Depression
Long-Term Effects of Domestic Violence
Long-term effects of domestic violence include depression, of course, and also include other related problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, substance abuse, sleep disorders, self-injury and suicide attempts. Victims may become irritable or withdrawn and may have feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and excessive guilt.
Depression may make it even more difficult than it otherwise would be for victims to leave their abusers. Depression makes it difficult for victims of domestic violence to care for themselves; they may not eat well, may not seek medical care when they are sick, etc. It also makes it difficult for them to parent their children, if they have any.
Treating Depression in Victims of Domestic Violence
According to the National Center on Domestic Violence, some victims of domestic violence do not need medical or psychological treatment for depression. Their depression resolves with increased safety and social support; they just need to get out of the abusive relationships and develop a good support system. Others do need treatment for depression or other mental health conditions, however.
To help ensure victims of domestic violence get treatment for depression when they need it, health care professionals should screen all victims of domestic violence for depression and offer treatment or make referrals to treatment when appropriate. People suffering from depression should be asked about a possible history of domestic violence and other forms of abuse so that those issues can be addressed in treatment when needed.
Victims of domestic violence may benefit from psychotherapy as well as antidepressant medication, just like anyone else that suffers from depression. Support groups are often useful as well, since increased social support has been proven so useful in the treatment of depression in victims of domestic violence.
If people are still involved in abusive relationships, however, they may find it difficult to seek treatment or to comply with treatment recommendations. While mental health care providers should never pressure victims of abuse to leave abusive relationships, they should provide support if victims wish to leave and offer referrals to services such as shelters.
Sources:
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health. http://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/lib/File/Research%20Highlights.pdf . Domestic Violence, Mental Health and Trauma.
Find Counseling. http://www.findcounseling.com/journal/domestic-violence/domestic-violence-effects.html . Effects of Domestic Violence.
Published by Kelly Morris
I am a former social worker and in that capacity, worked with teens and their families to address issues like domestic violence and school violence. I now make my living as a freelance writer. My work has... View profile
- Donate a Used Cell Phone. Help Victims of Domestic ViolenceUsed cell phones help victims of domestic violence. Did you know that agencies may also need empty ink jet cartridges, old digital cameras or other items?
- Three Longterm Effects of Domestic ViolenceDomestic violence is an issue that faces many households across the globe. Here are three nonobvious longterm effects caused by domestic violence.
- Domestic Violence in WomenThis is a research paper on domestic violence in women. It includes the kinds of violence, the effects of violence in the family, and ways to prevent domestic violence.
Stop Domestic ViolenceDo you know someone suffering at the hands of Domestic violence or involved in an abusive relationship?- The Effects of Domestic Abuse on ChildrenAn overview of the effects of domestic abuse on children in our society.
- Domestic Violence: Educating Society is Imperative in Helping Victims of Abuse
- Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse and Their Effects
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence and Abuse: Living Through Marital Abuse
- Domestic Violence Against Women and Children in the European Union
- The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Welfare Reform
- The Unpredictable World of Domestic Violence