May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to deepen understanding of how life experiences shape emotional well-being. One such experience is domestic violence, which can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. While it is often associated with physical violence, other forms of abuse, such as emotional or psychological abuse, can be equally impactful. Regardless of what kind of abuse is occurring, domestic violence can greatly affect a survivor’s mental health both during the relationship and long after it has ended. Recognizing these effects is an important step in supporting survivors and reducing stigma around domestic violence. 

Mental Health During an Abusive Relationship

While in an abusive relationship, survivors are often navigating ongoing stress, fear, and uncertainty. Abuse can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, financial, and physical harm. Survivors may find themselves feeling isolated, hopeless and helpless, powerless, or anxious due to the abuse that is occuring–all of which can have profound impacts on their mental health.

Additionally, survivors often face significant barriers, such as limited access to resources, financial dependence, fear of retaliation, cultural or language obstacles, and concerns about legal or immigration systems, that impact both their mental health and ability to safely leave. Over time, these experiences can shape how a person thinks, feels, and responds to the world around them.

For many survivors, this emotional impact can continue to emerge in unexpected ways. Some common psychological effects include:

• Anxiety and hypervigilance, constantly feeling “on edge” or anticipating conflict
• Depression, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
• Low self-esteem, often shaped by repeated criticism, blame, manipulation, or control from a partner
• Self-doubt, sometimes caused by gaslighting or other manipulation tactics, where survivors begin to question their own reality, judgment, or ability to make decisions
• Isolation, either imposed by the abusive partner or developed over time as a coping mechanism

It is important to recognize that these responses are adaptive responses to ongoing harm and stress, not personal weaknesses. Because abuse happens in such different and unique ways in every relationship, it makes sense that the survivors mental health also can be impacted in many different and unique ways.

In some abusive relationships, the abusive partner will use the survivors mental health as a tool against them. Whether that is by obstructing their access to health care, medication, or therapy, or by using their mental health as a tool to instill those feelings of self doubt, insecurity, and self-esteem. 

Mental Health After Leaving the Relationship

Leaving an abusive relationship is often a difficult yet empowering step, but it does not mean the impact ends there. Survivors frequently face ongoing challenges, including navigating legal processes such as divorce, child custody disputes, and orders of protection, which can be stressful, prolonged, and, at times, retraumatizing. For others, the abuse may find ways to continue even after a survivor physically leaves. Because of these things, many continue to experience mental health challenges as they process their experiences while adjusting to life after abuse.

Common experiences after leaving may include:

• Post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as intrusive memories, nightmares, or heightened startle responses
• Ongoing anxiety or fear, even in safe environments
• Depression or grief, including mourning the relationship or the life they had hoped for
• Difficulty trusting others or forming new relationships
• Feelings of guilt or self-blame, even though the abuse was not their fault

Healing is not linear, and it looks different for everyone. Some survivors may feel relief immediately after leaving, while others may notice emotional effects more strongly over time.

Moving Toward Healing

Recovery from domestic violence is possible, and support plays a key role. Trauma-informed counseling can help survivors understand their experiences, rebuild a sense of safety, and develop coping strategies that support long-term well-being.

Healing may involve:

• Processing traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment
• Learning healthy relationship patterns and boundaries
• Rebuilding self-esteem and identity
• Strengthening social support systems

Survivors do not have to go through this process alone. Turning Point, and many other resources, are always available to support you.

Raising Awareness and Local Resources

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the deep connection between domestic violence and mental health. By increasing awareness, we can reduce stigma, foster understanding, and create more supportive communities for survivors. 

If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, support is available. At Turning Point, we are committed to providing trauma-informed mental health and domestic violence counseling services to survivors in McHenry County. To schedule an appointment, call our Helpline at 815-338-8081.

Other Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. When you call, text, or chat, you are connected with trained counselors who provide judgment-free support. Talking to someone can make a meaningful difference.

Call or text: 988

Chat: 988lifeline.org

NAMI McHenry County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

NAMI offers free mental health support, including one-on-one support and support groups for individuals and families.

Website: www.namimch.org

McHelp App

The McHelp App provides 24/7 access to licensed mental health professionals through call or text for any concern. It also includes a comprehensive local service directory for additional support.

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Credits
Kieley Medinger is a Bilingual Mental Health Therapist at Turning Point who provides trauma-informed counseling to individuals and groups. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Valencia. She began her career focusing on the mental health of students and children and now provides counseling services to survivors of domestic violence in McHenry County.

Editor
Tiffany Hutson, Outreach & Prevention Coordinator