Written by JimboSmoothie

1. Realize and understand that this is not normal, and it shouldn't be for you. I have grown up with an emotionally abusive father, and I thought it was completely normal for parents to scream at their kids for minor mistakes. It wasn't, but my life got so much better when I acknowledged it. Because I was able to take action. 

2. Find ways to reduce stress. This will not be easy when you're in a toxic environment, especially if your household is causing issues, but it is possible. Go for a run to blow off steam while you sort your jumbled thoughts. Listen to music that makes you relax, especially as you fall asleep. Write it out. Have sad thoughts? Put them on paper. Have happy thoughts? Make them patterns of ink. Have angry thoughts? DRAG that pencil across the page! It helps empty your mind into a semi-coherent collection of words. 

3. Know You're Going to be Ok. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Tell yourself "I am not ok. And I am ok with this." Being in bad places will change you. It will hurt you. You will have some sort of scar, be it mental or physical. But you will get better. You will graduate high school and move out of the house your abusive parent lives in. You can stand up and tell your husband "I'm not doing this anymore." Someday, no matter how bad things are right now, you will be able to walk out the door.

4. Find a Happy Place Find a place in your mind that you can go to when you're upset or worried. For me, it's a reminder of things I grew up with. I have happy memories of those things, so going back to them puts me in a peaceful mindset. It's a form of Escapism, where you can forget reality. Even if it only lasts for five minutes, it will help.