Men Experience Emotional Abuse Too (And You Might Be Ignoring the Signs)
High-achieving. Respected. In control. That’s how the world sees you. Manipulated. Dismissed. Emotionally drained. That’s what’s really happening behind closed doors.
If you’re reading this, something deep inside of you is questioning it:
"Is this really abuse? Can men even be emotionally abused? Should I just suck it up?"
Here’s the truth: Yes, men experience emotional abuse too, and just because you’re successful, logical, and self-sufficient doesn’t mean you’re immune to it.
“She’s all I have.”
That’s what one of my clients told me. A 6’3”, former college athlete, a guy who commanded respect the second he walked into a room. He had the kind of presence that made people move out of his way.
And yet, he was completely controlled by a woman who never laid a hand on him.
His girlfriend, on the outside, would scream at him over the phone, threaten to leave him if he didn’t send money, and hang up whenever he showed emotion. She made him feel like he was nothing without her.
I remember one call in particular. I was in my office when he came in, pacing, gripping his head like he was trying to squeeze out the thoughts that wouldn’t stop.
“She said she’s gonna find someone else. I can’t lose her, man. She’s all I have.”
This was a man who had been through everything, divorced parents, fights, losing family, trauma I can’t even begin to describe. But what broke him? Emotional abuse.
Being told he was worthless if he didn’t comply.
Being told he’d never find someone else who would “put up with him.”
Being manipulated into thinking she was the only one who cared.
And I realized, this happens way too often but it’s not talked about in regards to men being the victims.
Men are emotionally abused every day, but they don’t recognize it until it’s too late.
The Hidden Reality of Emotional Abuse in Men
Most men in toxic relationships don’t even realize they’re being abused.
Why? Because society has conditioned men to believe:
They’re supposed to be “the strong one”, so asking for help feels like weakness.
If they’re not being physically hurt, it’s not real abuse.
If they make six figures, have status, or run their own business, they should be able to “handle it.”
But emotional abuse doesn’t care about your job title, paycheck, or status. It erodes your self-worth slowly, until one day, you don’t even recognize yourself.
Men in emotionally abusive relationships are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 7 men will experience intimate partner violence, including emotional and psychological abuse. (Source)
And yet… so many suffer in silence.
5 Signs You’re in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship (That You’re Probably Ignoring)
1. You constantly feel like you’re failing, even though you’re doing everything right. She moves the goalposts, every time you meet an expectation, she changes the rules.
"You should have known what I needed." or "You’re lucky I even put up with you."
No matter how much you give, it’s never enough.
2. She downplays your accomplishments, but expects the world from you. She expects you to provide, be emotionally available, and make her happy… but when do you get that in return?
"Must be nice to have time to focus on your career." or "Oh wow, you think you’re so successful now?"
If your achievements feel more like a burden than a win, that’s a red flag.
3. She uses your emotions against you. The second you bring up a problem, the tables turn:
"Wow, so now you’re blaming me?"
"You’re too sensitive. You’re overreacting."
"If you really loved me, you wouldn’t bring this up."
You start questioning yourself instead of holding her accountable. That’s manipulation.
4. You feel more drained than loved. Instead of feeling recharged and supported, you feel:
Exhausted from the constant emotional chaos.
Like you can’t relax, even when she’s not around.
Disconnected from your own emotions because you’ve been suppressing them for so long.
Love isn’t supposed to deplete you.
5. You’re scared to leave, but not because you love her.
You’re scared of being alone.
You’re scared no one else will love you.
You’re scared of what she’ll do if you leave.
That’s not love. That’s control.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to stop minimizing your experience. You deserve better.
Why High-Achieving Men Get Stuck in Toxic Relationships
Most high-achieving men don’t recognize the abuse because they’re wired to problem-solve. You think if you just work harder, communicate better, or give more, things will change. You see the relationship as a challenge to fix, not a toxic cycle to break.
But you can’t outwork someone else’s lack of accountability.
A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that men in emotionally abusive relationships are more likely to suffer in silence due to fear of judgment. (Source)
Ready to Break the Cycle? Let’s Talk.
Men experience emotional abuse too. And ignoring it won’t make it go away.
You’ve been through enough. It’s time to heal.
📍 Book a free consult with a therapist who understands.
📍 Explore how trauma intensives can help you heal.
📍 Read more about emotional abuse and start reclaiming your power.
Because your mental health matters too.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m being emotionally abused?
If your relationship leaves you feeling confused, drained, or constantly blamed, that’s a sign. Emotional abuse isn’t always obvious, it often shows up as manipulation, guilt-tripping, or dismissing your emotions.
Can men really be victims of emotional abuse?
Yes. 1 in 7 men experience emotional abuse from a partner. The stigma makes it harder for men to recognize or admit it, but abuse doesn’t care about gender. (Source)
What should I do if I think I’m in a toxic relationship?
Acknowledge it. Seek support. Create an exit plan. You don’t have to leave immediately, but you do need to stop gaslighting yourself. Talking to a therapist can help you process what’s happening and take the next step.
If you’re struggling to move forward from a toxic relationship, let’s work together. I offer virtual trauma therapy and intensives across Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and all of Pennsylvania.
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Disclaimer: Listen, what you see here on my blog or social media isn’t therapy, it’s meant to educate, inspire, and maybe even help you feel a little less alone. But if you’re in it right now and need real support, please reach out to a licensed therapist in your state who can walk alongside you in your healing journey. Therapy is personal, and you deserve a space that’s all about you. If you’re in PA and looking for a trauma therapist who gets it, I’m currently accepting new clients for trauma intensives. Let’s fast-track your healing journey, because you deserve to feel better, sooner.
Research Brief Author: Mariah J. Zur, M.S., LPC, CCTP
Looking for a trauma therapist in Pennsylvania? Mariah J. Zur, LPC specializes in trauma therapy for men recovering from toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, and emotional manipulation. Virtual trauma therapy sessions available for clients in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and throughout PA.
High-achieving men often overlook the signs of emotional abuse. If you constantly feel like you’re failing, walking on eggshells, or doubting your reality in a relationship, you might be experiencing psychological abuse. Therapy for men can help you rebuild confidence, set boundaries, and heal from toxic patterns.
Signs of emotional abuse in men include manipulation, guilt-tripping, stonewalling, and being made to feel like nothing you do is enough. If you're experiencing these, seeking trauma-informed therapy could be the next step toward healing.
