“Looking After Yourself After Abuse: Why Regular Check-Ins with Doctors and Psychologists Matter”
After enduring years of emotional, psychological, or physical abuse, many survivors come out the other side with a profound sense of relief—finally free from the cycle of fear, manipulation, or violence. But healing doesn’t stop when the abuse ends. In fact, for many, that’s when the real work begins.
One essential yet often neglected step in this journey is regularly checking in with your doctor and psychologist. Whether the abuse was recent or happened years ago, trauma leaves an imprint—not just on your heart and mind, but on your body too.
Trauma Can Trigger Hidden Illnesses
Long-term abuse has a way of quietly reshaping our bodies from the inside out. Chronic stress, hypervigilance, and the emotional toll of walking on eggshells for years can lead to a range of physical issues, such as:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Digestive disorders like IBS
- Migraines and chronic pain
- Hormonal imbalances
- Sleep disorders
- High blood pressure and heart issues
It’s not “all in your head.” The body remembers what the mind is trying to forget. That’s why survivors sometimes experience a sudden health collapse or mysterious symptoms years after leaving the abusive environment. It’s your body finally exhaling—finally letting go—and sometimes, that means it reveals things that had been buried just to keep you functioning.
Mental Health Matters More Than Ever
A compassionate, trauma-informed psychologist can help you untangle the emotional aftermath and make sense of your story. You may have lived for years being told you were the problem, that your reality was wrong, or worse—that you were “crazy.” Rebuilding self-trust and mental clarity takes time and support.
Regular therapy isn’t just about healing old wounds—it’s about creating a safe space to grow, set new boundaries, explore your identity, and rebuild a peaceful life. Some of the things a good psychologist can help with include:
- Managing PTSD or complex trauma (C-PTSD)
- Navigating feelings of grief, guilt, or shame
- Rebuilding confidence and self-worth
- Relearning how to trust yourself—and others
- Planning your next chapter
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
Many survivors feel that they shouldn’t “bother” their doctor or psychologist unless they’re in crisis. But just like you’d go to the dentist for a routine cleaning or a mechanic for a car check-up, your body and mind deserve regular care too.
You deserve to be looked after. You deserve to be monitored, supported, and checked in on. You deserve to heal in peace.
Practical Steps You Can Take
- Book annual physical exams with your GP and flag any ongoing or new symptoms, even if they seem small.
- Request trauma-informed care if you’re seeking a new doctor or therapist—someone who understands how abuse impacts health.
- Keep a wellness journal to track how you feel physically and emotionally, so you can spot patterns or changes.
- Be honest with your health providers about your history—it allows them to provide better, more tailored care.
- Seek out support groups or healing circles—sharing your story can be incredibly validating and empowering.
A Final Note
Surviving abuse doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re resilient. But even the strongest people need care, compassion, and check-ins. Please look after yourself the way you would a beloved friend—gently, consistently, and with the knowledge that you are worthy of good health, love, and happiness.
Healing is not linear. And it doesn’t have a deadline. But with support—medical, emotional, and personal—you can rebuild not just your health, but your whole life.
You’re not alone. And you’re not invisible. You matter. 🌱
