Pop culture and media tends to be a reflection of our own interests and beliefs. We look towards celebrities and public figures to show us what is trendy or current affairs we deem important in society. As much as that world can seem far removed from the average person, it can also be a mirror into the very real issues people face behind closed doors. What the average person handles in private, is put on view for public consumption with celebrities, and the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial is a very real example of this coming to light. This trial reveals that men too can be victims of domestic abuse. As consumers of this case, we get to see firsthand what it’s like to be with an abusive person and what the fallout from divorce looks like for those types of relationships. What gets revealed is that no one is immune to abuse. We also get to see what the fallout from a divorce can look like because of a bad partner.
Heard made serious accusations against Depp claiming abuse in 2016 shortly after filing for divorce, and things came to a head in 2018 after she wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post detailing the abuse. Since the release of the op-ed, Depp stepped down from major brand endorsements and film productions like “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” Depp’s career is essentially ruined because of the malicious and false accusations made by his ex-wife, Heard. So the situation begs the question, how can one seek protection from these types of relationships? One of the best things to do is educate yourself on different types of abuses; how to detect them early on, and how to seek help if you find yourself stuck in an abusive relationship.
Something that is often discussed in abusive relationships is mental illness, and more specifically, narcissism. No real evidence exists on the prevalence of narcissistic abuse in the U.S.; however, a number based on the population and mental illnesses diagnosed each year, means over 60 million people could hypothetically be affected by narcissistic abuse. However, narcissism isn’t the only personality disorder present in abusive relationships. Disorders like bi-polar and histrionic personality disorder like the ones Dr. Shannon Curry, a clinical and forensics psychologist, diagnosed Heard with also present itself in abusive relationships.
An important thing to do is to avoid an arm-chair diagnosis of people, especially your partner. Diagnosing people with mental/psychological disorders without proper treatment or observation can be harmful to the individual(s) you diagnose, which is why it is important to educate yourself on these matters and how to detect symptoms of mental illness in a partner.
The very public proceedings of this trial also shows those consuming it how marriages and relationships are complex, just like the people entering into them. When things go south, it isn’t always a result of abuse or some serious mental illness, it could also boil down to miscommunication and growing apart from one another. Either way, it is important to protect yourself legally and financially.
The Whitley Law Firm is made up of highly trained professionals and attorneys in the realm of family law. One of the best things you can do on top of educating yourself, is to seek the advice of a legal professional. If you need help with a divorce, contact us for advice and guidance. We have experience helping couples and individuals find their voice and peace of mind through difficult times.
