Most of us are familiar with the term “emotional neglect.” It’s often used to describe a situation in which someone fails to show adequate care or attention to another person’s emotional needs. However, what does emotional neglect actually mean? And what are the signs of emotional neglect? Understanding what emotional neglect is, how it shows up, and its effects can help you identify it in your own life and take steps to heal.
At Convenient Colorado Counseling, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. As an online therapist, I work with clients all over Colorado who are working toward healing from emotional neglect. If you are struggling with emotional neglect, therapy can help. I am here to be a valuable resource for you as you work through your feelings.
Discover more about the signs of emotional neglect and how to heal by reading below.
What Is Emotional Neglect?
Emotional neglect occurs when someone fails to meet another person’s emotional needs. This can happen in a variety of ways. For example, a parent who is emotionally distant or unavailable to their child may be guilty of emotional neglect. A partner who consistently dismisses or invalidates their partner’s feelings may also be guilty of emotional neglect.
In essence, emotional neglect happens when someone withholds the care, attention, and support that another person needs in order to feel valued, loved, and heard. It can be a form of emotional abuse that is just as damaging as other forms of abuse.
Examples of Emotional Neglect
There are many ways that emotional neglect can manifest. Here are some examples:
- A parent who is always working and never has time for their child
- A partner who dismisses or invalidates their partner’s feelings
- A friend who repeatedly cancels plans or stands up their friend
- A family member who withdraws support and love or gives the silent treatment during difficult times
These are just a few examples. If you feel that your emotional needs are not being met, you may be experiencing emotional neglect.
Signs of Emotional Neglect in Adults
There are a number of signs that may indicate that you are struggling with emotional neglect. If you find yourself feeling isolated, unsupported, or unimportant, it may be a sign that your emotional needs are not being met. Other signs of emotional neglect may include:
- Feeling invisible or unimportant
- Being told your feelings are invalid or excessive
- Having your needs consistently dismissed or ignored
- Feeling like no one cares about you
- Never receiving compliments or positive reinforcement
- Feeling like you have to take care of yourself emotionally
The Impact of Emotional Neglect
If you are struggling with emotional neglect, it’s important to understand the impact it can have on your life. Emotional neglect can lead to a number of consequences, including:
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties
- Difficulty trusting others
- Anxiety and depression
- Substance abuse
- Feelings of guilt and shame for expressing emotions
Where Can Emotional Neglect Show Up?
Emotional neglect can happen in any type of relationship. It often occurs in family relationships, such as between parents and children or between siblings. It can also occur in romantic relationships, such as between partners. In some cases, emotional neglect may even occur in friendships or in the workplace.
How to Overcome Emotional Neglect
If you are struggling with emotional neglect, it’s important to understand that you are not alone. There are a number of ways to overcome emotional neglect and heal the damage it has caused.
Therapy can be an invaluable tool in overcoming emotional neglect. A therapist can provide you with the support, validation, and care that you need to heal. In therapy, you will also learn healthy coping skills and strategies for dealing with difficult emotions.
Other Ways to Heal from Emotional Neglect As an Adult
In addition to therapy, there are a number of other things you can do to heal from emotional neglect. Below are some suggestions:
- Seek out supportive relationships: Find people in your life who will support and validate you. These people can be friends or family members.
- Practice self-compassion: Be gentle and understanding with yourself. Allow yourself to feel your feelings and process them in a healthy way.
- Take care of yourself: Make sure to attend to your physical and emotional needs. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and take time for yourself.
- Talk about your feelings: Find a trusted person to talk to about your experiences with emotional neglect. This can be a therapist, friend, or family member. Talking about your feelings can help you to process them in a healthy way.
- Join a support group: There are many support groups available for people who have experienced emotional neglect. This can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you are going through.
- Read about emotional neglect: Learning about emotional neglect can help you to understand your experiences and feel less alone. There are many books and articles available on the topic.
If you are struggling with emotional neglect, know that there is help available. There are people who care about you and want to see you heal. With the right support, you can overcome emotional neglect and lead a happy, healthy life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional neglect, there are a number of resources available. Below are some helpful organizations:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides support and resources for victims of domestic violence.
- The Trevor Project provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides support and resources for people in suicidal crises or emotional distress. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Heal From Emotional Abuse with Convenient Colorado Counseling
Emotional neglect and abuse can have a major impact on your life. Anyone can experience emotional neglect, regardless of age, gender, or background; it also happens in all types of relationships from parent to partner. You might not even realize that emotional neglect is happening to you. It can be subtle, which can make it hard to identify, but there are signs you can look out for and ways to heal.
At Convenient Colorado Counseling, a therapy clinic in Colorado, I am here to help guide you through your journey of healing. I understand the challenges you face and can provide you with the support you need to heal from emotional neglect. If you are ready to take the first step, please contact me today. I offer convenient online counseling services that make it easy to get the help and emotional support you need. Schedule your appointment today!
