The experience of being abused and verbally degraded by partners is usually exhausting and emotionally draining. The process of surviving and building a new life requires much courage, and incredible energy. To conserve your emotional energy, and to support yourself in hard emotional times, there are a number of things you can do:
- Attend as many sessions
with your Outreach Counsellor as you can. (Call our crisis line at 1-888-267-4409 for a referral.) - Become involved in community activities to reduce feeling isolated.
- Take a part-time job to reduce isolation and to improve your finances.
- Enroll in school to increase your skills.
- Join support groups of other women to gain support and strengthen your relationships with other people. (Call our crisis line at 1-800-267-4409 for information on which groups are available at this time.)
- Take time for yourself to read, meditate, play music, etc.
- Spend time with people who make you feel good and provide support.
- Take part in social activities, e.g. movie, dinner, exercise.
- Take care of your sleep and nutritional needs.
- Keep a personal journal to write about your feelings, especially when you are feeling low or vulnerable. Keep it in a safe place or burn it.
- Take time to prepare yourself emotionally before entering stressful situations like talking with your partner, meeting with lawyers, or attending court.
- Try not to overbook yourself – limit yourself to one appointment per day to reduce stress.
- Be creative and do whatever makes you feel good.
- Write something positive about yourself everyday – your own personal affirmations.
- Do not find your comfort in excessive use of alcohol or food – it only serves to increase your depression.
- Avoid excessive shopping and impulse buying.
- Join a health club or start an exercise program. It will increase your energy level and increase your sense of well being.
- It’s OK to feel angry, but find positive and constructive ways to express your anger.
- Remember that YOU are the most important person to take care of right now.
