He adds that chronic emotional neglect can shape our emotional landscape as adults by affecting ourself-esteemand impacting ourinterpersonalrelationships.
This trauma can make it hard to develop a healthy relationship with others and with ourselves.
We might even engage in self-sabotaging behaviors.
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How Do I Know If I Was Emotionally Neglected as a Child?
However, chronic emotional neglect is not the norm, and its ripple effects follow us well into adulthood.
Smolarski says that emotional neglect can be either intentional or unintentional, or even unconscious.
What Are Some Examples of Childhood Emotional Neglect?
Here are some signs of childhood emotional neglect.
Those of us who were emotionally neglected as children often develop behavior patterns or coping mechanisms.
Any of the following might be indicative of emotional neglect in childhood.
Emotional neglect can be either intentional or unintentional, or even unconscious.
Difficulty Expressing and Processing Emotions
Childhood emotional neglect can cause us to avoidemotionsaltogether in adulthood.
We may struggle to identify our feelings or find it difficult to process big feelings.
There might also be a general sense of numbness, which is ultimately a form of self-protection.
This can backfire if we end up focusing so much on others that we fail to prioritize ourselves.
We’re simply trying to protect ourselves.
Vulnerability and opening up to other people may feel scary too which limits the ability to connect with others.
She adds that some might evenself-sabotagetheir relationships to avoid feelingabandoned, rejected, or neglected.
Low self-esteem may also cause struggles with self-compassion and self-love.
Ongoing Neglect Is Child Abuse
Ongoing emotional neglect is considered a form of child abuse.
Healing From Childhood Emotional Neglect
If you experienced childhood emotional neglect, know that youre not alone.
So many of us have survived this kind of abuse.
Fortunately, healing is possible.
Theres so much room for personal growth and a pathway to improved self-worth.
Trust and emotional intimacy can be learned over time with patience and a strong support system.
We can have and deserve fulfilling relationships.
Remember that there is nothing wrong or bad about you or your emotions, Smolarski says.
We all have emotions.
Therapy Can Help
She adds that this process often requires professional support, such as therapy.
Therapy allows us to explore past experiences, process unresolved emotions, and develophealthier coping strategiesand communication skills.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
“People Who Engage in Emotional or Psychological Abuse.”
National Institute of Mental Health.Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
