What are the basic psychological problems which require a consultation with a psychologist?

Simply put, when psychological problems start interfering with physical health, emotional well being, work productivity, relationships and ability to deal with normal life situations, you need to talk to someone like a psychologist. For many victims of domestic violence, psychological problems are created by their situation, and leads to more violence.

Post traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, disassociation and substance abuse can all be results of violent domestic situation. For many victims of domestic violence, these problems result from violence and contribute to the continuation of violence –forming a vicious cycle from which it becomes very difficult to extricate oneself. In other words, it has been observed by psychologists that intimate partner violence or abuse and psychological problems interact in a vicious cycle that obstructs the victim’s capacity to take any action in terms of stopping the violence.

It has been researched and proved, that resilience or the ability to bounce back comes from a healthy self esteem. A healthy physical body, mental flexibility enables the aggrieved party to take positive steps towards eliminating the violence. Environmental factors can either serve to protect the victims or facilitate domestic violence. Communities should be generous in offering resources which help separate victims of domestic violence from their perpetrators – putting an end to the violence in their lives.

It has also been observed that a past history of trauma increases the risk of psychological ailments – manifesting into a negative world view and negative self image. The tendency to react with anger to life situations also obstructs the path of recovery from traumatic experiences.

Psychologists have observed that people with trauma react angrily to stress a situation – which gets into the ways of resolving the traumas related to emotional disorders. It is often found that women hesitate to exit abusive relationships due to guilt. Coping methods like denial, subservience and avoidance are manifestations of depression and never help solve the real problems.

Women linger into abusive relationships by fantasizing that the partner has stopped abusing, instead of making a realistic analysis of the situation and taking responsible decisions. Economic dependence and the attitude of society along with a mental conditioning regarding gender roles keep women involved in abusive domestic situation for life time.

The psychological shift that can help one change or exit an ugly domestic situation literally translates into a change of perception. It is important to overcome the viewpoint of the batterer which keeps the victim locked in abuse. Mental helpers can help victims develop positive mental habits which act as buffer against the emergence of mental difficulties from traumatic experiences of life. This amounts to a balanced and flexible approach toward life, which means a willingness to view the positive and negative aspects of circumstances and people. It has been seen that this approach diminishes and even prevents the advent of post traumatic stress.

Women who take the responsibility to solve their problems are less likely to stay in abusive situations. They become active problem solvers by believing that they too have the power to change their lives and can make a difference.