Psychological torment refers to intense emotional or mental suffering caused by prolonged stress, fear, guilt, humiliation, manipulation, or other forms of psychological harm. Unlike physical pain, it primarily targets the mind and emotions, often leaving deep, invisible scars that can affect a person’s identity, perception, and overall functioning.
Here’s a breakdown of what it involves:
1. Core Definition
Psychological torment is a state of sustained emotional distress where a person feels trapped, powerless, or mentally broken down due to external or internal pressures. It can be deliberate (as in emotional abuse or psychological warfare) or unintentional (as in chronic grief, guilt, or trauma).
2. Common Forms
- Emotional abuse: constant criticism, humiliation, or rejection.
- Gaslighting: manipulating someone into doubting their reality or sanity.
- Isolation: depriving someone of support or human connection.
- Fear induction: using threats, unpredictability, or intimidation to create anxiety.
- Internal torment: guilt, shame, or intrusive thoughts that create inner suffering.
3. Psychological Effects
Long-term psychological torment can lead to:
- Anxiety disorders or panic attacks
- Depression and hopelessness
- Dissociation or emotional numbness
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
- Loss of self-esteem and trust
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
4. Mechanisms Behind It
The mind experiences torment when its sense of safety, control, or meaning is repeatedly undermined. This triggers chronic activation of the stress response system (fight, flight, or freeze), wearing down emotional resilience and cognitive clarity over time.
5. Healing and Recovery
Recovery from psychological torment involves:
- Safety restoration: removing or reducing sources of distress
- Therapeutic support: trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, or somatic approaches
- Reconnection: rebuilding relationships and trust
- Self-compassion and meaning-making: reclaiming one’s inner sense of worth and purpose
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 