Article: Depending on the extent of the relationship you just left, you may want to seek counseling to talk through your experiences. It can be a good idea to work with a professional to understand the relationship and your partner’s behaviors. After ending an abusive relationship where you didn’t feel secure, you will need time to feel safe again. This might mean feeling safe physically, feeling safe from criticisms and insults, feeling safe from poverty or other financial abuse, and feeling safe in your actions and behaviors. You might look to feel safe physically by taking a self-defense class. You might begin to feel safe from financial abuse by getting a job and building up your savings account. The end of your relationship can leave you feeling depressed, guilty, lost or anxious. Let yourself express these feelings. Do something creative, like artwork or journaling, to work out some of these feelings. After you get out of an unhealthy relationship, it’s a good idea to take time to reconnect with yourself. Do the activities that you enjoy doing, whether it’s cooking or hiking or skiing or watching movies. Focus on what you need to feel healthy again. When you start thinking about getting into a new relationship, you will likely enter into it with caution and perhaps a little trepidation. Be optimistic about the possibilities for a new relationship. But if you sense you are getting into the same patterns as your previous relationship, break it off immediately. Don’t get yourself into a similar cycle as the previous time. Identify qualities you want in a partner. After an abusive relationship, take time to figure out your priorities for a successful and healthy relationship. Put yourself as a priority. Breaking off a possessive relationship can be extremely difficult, especially if you’ve been entrenched in it for a long time. Be strong and believe in your ability to heal. Give yourself positive affirmations so that you know you’ve made the right decision.

What is a summary?
See a mental health professional. Reestablish your sense of safety. Allow yourself to grieve. Take time for yourself. Enter into new relationships cautiously. Be strong and believe in yourself.