Emotional abuse

If you are being emotionally abused you don’t have to deal with it alone. It can help to tell someone about what’s happening.

It can be a big step to tell someone what’s happening, and to explain why someone is making you feel bad. But remember Childline is here to listen to you. Our counsellors will never judge you. They will listen and support you.

You could also keep a diary of the emotional abuse, recording what has happened and when. Show this to an adult you trust. This could be a family member, a friend or someone at school like a teacher or counsellor. Keeping a diary can help you get your thoughts in order and decide what you want to say. It’s also a good way of showing other people what’s been happening to you and help them realise that it’s wrong. Sign up to track your mood in your locker.

If it's too difficult to tell someone in person you might find it easier to write a letter about what is happening to an adult you trust. If you feel like it you can email it to a Childline counsellor. Writing can help you think clearly about what’s happening – and it could help you see that emotional abuse is wrong.

Social services (also called children’s services) are people who work for the government by making sure families have the things they need. If you’re thinking about contacting them, a Childline counsellor can talk to you about what you would like to happen. They can support you with making the decision and in certain situations Childline can contact social services on your behalf.

Many families argue, but if your friend is often scared or depressed or feeling sad because of the way somebody treats them, this could be abuse. The best thing to do is talk to your friend and suggest that they contact Childline or talk to an adult they trust. If that doesn't work you could talk to a Childline counsellor yourself. You can also look at our page about helping a friend.