Domestic abuse is a pervasive and dangerous issue that affects millions of people around the world, and healing domestic abuse can take a significant amount of time. Not only does intimate partner violence cause physical harm, but it can also have lasting effects on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Survivors of domestic abuse often struggle with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a host of physical ailments that can interfere with their ability to live happy, fulfilling lives.
Taking a holistic approach to healing domestic abuse allows you to get to the root of the mental, physical, and spiritual impacts of this experience. Freedom from the effects of domestic violence is possible! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the impact of domestic abuse on overall health and offer holistic solutions for healing from domestic abuse.
Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms, from physical violence to emotional manipulation and financial control. It’s essential to recognize the signs of abuse and seek help if you or someone you know is in danger. Common warning signs of domestic abuse in a relationship include:
- Frequent arguments and fighting
- Controlling behavior, such as limiting contact with friends and family
- Threats of violence or harm to self or others
- Physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
If you suspect that someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it’s crucial to offer your support and encourage them to seek help. Domestic abuse can be challenging to spot, particularly in the early stages when it often begins on an emotional and mental level.
The best indicator for when things are going down an uncertain path is your gut instinct. Learning to develop a somatic awareness can give you insight when your body is speaking to you and telling you that a situation is heading into red flag territory. Having an outside perspective to help guide you in your relationships can also be incredibly helpful in identifying the warning signs of abusive relationships. As a holistic therapist with a background in domestic violence, I can guide you in this process of learning to identify your internal cues for unsafe people and also help you identify specific abusive behaviors.
Is My Partner Gaslighting Me?
A common feature of abusive relationships is gaslighting. Gaslighting from an intimate partner can make you believe that you are the problem or that there is no problem, to begin with. This insidious form of abuse can be challenging to break out of, particularly since many survivors of abuse tend to struggle with low self-esteem.
It is vital to trust your internal awareness and sense of the situation. If your partner tries to convince you otherwise or makes you doubt yourself, this is a sign that they may be engaging in abusive behavior. A good practice to combat gaslighting is to journal about specific events with your partner and how they made you feel. Keeping a written record in a safe and secure location can help you determine what your truth is in the relationship, and it can be helpful to return to these notes when the gaslighting or self-doubt becomes particularly intense.
Holistic Solutions for Healing from Domestic Violence
Healing from domestic abuse is a process that takes time and patience. While traditional therapy can be helpful, many survivors also benefit from holistic approaches that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their wellbeing.
Here are some alternative healing strategies for survivors of domestic abuse to consider:
1. Yoga and Meditation for Healing Domestic Abuse
Yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote physical healing. Many survivors find that these practices help them feel more grounded and centered as they work through their trauma. Yoga and meditation for domestic abuse help you to build self-regulation tools, calm your nervous system, break out of the fear or freeze response, and thaw stuck emotions in your body and mind.
2. Herbal Medicine & Nutrition for Trauma
Trauma from domestic violence can cause a deeper imbalance in your physical and mental health. Through herbal medicine and nutrition for domestic abuse survivors, you can bring your entire being back into balance and shift these patterns on a physical level. Additionally, these self-care rituals can send an implicit message that you are worthy of this care, helping to gradually build back your self-esteem.
3. Art Therapy for Trauma
Art therapy allows survivors of domestic violence to express their emotions and experiences in a creative and nonverbal way. It can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. In my work as a yoga therapist, I often incorporate mindful art techniques that allow you to express your emotions and build mindfulness skills at the same time.
4. Support Groups for Domestic Violence
Connecting with other survivors can be a powerful way to feel less alone and gain a sense of community. Many organizations offer support groups for survivors of domestic abuse. Support groups often also include an educational component that can help you identify the warning signs of domestic abuse, learn self-regulation skills, or navigate the challenges of dating after an abusive relationship.
5. Somatic Therapy for Domestic Abuse
Somatic therapies are profoundly healing for domestic abuse survivors because they bridge the body, mind, and spirit connection. Through somatic therapy for domestic abuse survivors, you can get in touch with the mental and physical impacts of domestic abuse on your nervous system, rewire your brain, and heal on a deeper level. Somatic therapy is especially beneficial in addressing dissociation and the freeze response from trauma after domestic abuse.
Holistic Healing for Women Who Have Left Abusive Relationships
If you’re a survivor of domestic abuse, it’s crucial to prioritize your healing and wellbeing. Consider seeking out customized support specifically for survivors of domestic abuse. By working with a trained professional, you can receive personalized support as you navigate the healing process. Many therapists may not have experience in working with survivors of domestic violence or trauma, which can actually cause more harm in the long run.
Healing from domestic abuse is a journey that requires patience, self-care, and support. By incorporating holistic practices into your healing journey, you can promote overall wellbeing and empower yourself to move forward in a positive way. Remember, healing is possible, and you deserve to live a happy, healthy life free from abuse.
Surya Bella Wellness specializes in supporting survivors of domestic abuse through holistic recovery techniques. With this holistic approach to trauma healing, you can get to the root of your mental and physical health issues. As a survivor of domestic abuse, you deserve a treatment approach that takes into consideration your entire being. So, reach out to me for more information on how you can begin healing from domestic abuse today!
