It's Easier to Help Others Facing Verbal Abuse Than Myself

Facing verbal abuse is an awful situation to be in, regardless of your age or the circumstances. Often, if someone is dealing with verbal abuse, they don't have the strength or confidence to stand up for themselves. This situation can allow the abuse to continue and worsen over time. However, some people can face abusers and call them out on their behavior when they aren't the victim of the situation. Why is it easier for some people to stand up against others facing verbal abuse? 

Helping Others Facing Verbal Abuse

I've been in multiple situations when there was verbal abuse between people that didn't directly impact me. I immediately resonated with these instances since I have my own experiences with verbal abuse. I know how difficult it is to stand up against an abuser. 

I've realized through the years that I am more prone to speaking up for someone else facing verbal abuse than for myself. I attribute my actions to these points: 

• I understand how damaging verbal abuse is.
• I empathize with how awful it feels to be the target of verbal abuse.
• I don't think anyone should be verbally abused.
• I wouldn't use verbal abuse as a tactic on someone.
• Sometimes, victims of verbal abuse don't know how to defend themselves against verbal abuse.

Because I've been the target of verbal abuse, I know how challenging it can be to break free. I've been in a place where I felt hopeless, and I had no plan on how to move away from verbal abuse. In those dark times, I wanted someone to help me, stand up for my rights, and care about me. 

Learning to Help Myself When Facing Verbal Abuse

As I work through therapy, I am learning how to help myself more when facing verbally abusive situations. I use these tools when I can, although sometimes I still retreat and take time to collect my thoughts before acting. Although it seems easier for me to defend someone else against verbal abuse, I am slowly getting my confidence back. 

I am just as worthy of healthy relationships as anyone else. I deserve to have interactions that don't include verbal abuse. I need to remember that I am as important as others and shouldn't be subjected to verbal abuse. 

If you speak up for others when they face verbal abuse, thank you. Helping bring awareness to this damaging behavior will give those individuals being mistreated a voice when they can't stand up for themselves. But it's also critical to remember that you are just as important as anyone else regarding verbal abuse. It can be challenging, but find the strength to advocate for yourself. Then, you can begin to move away from the hurtful situation.