What is Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)?

Imagine your childhood as a puzzle, with each piece representing a different experience or feeling. It's hard to see the whole picture when a piece is missing—like emotional support. That's what childhood emotional neglect is like; it's a missing piece that affects how we see ourselves and others.

When you're little, you look to your caregivers for love and comfort. But what if those needs aren't met? You might think you're not lovable or your feelings don't matter. These beliefs can stick with you into adulthood, affecting how you relate to people and handle life's ups and downs.

Emotional neglect is often subtle. It's not about what parents do but what they don't do—like not listening when you're upset or brushing off your feelings. This can leave you feeling like your emotions don't matter, which can be tough to shake off.

One of the tricky things about childhood emotional neglect is that it can show up in different ways for different people. Some may become overly sensitive to criticism, constantly feeling like they're walking on eggshells. Others might struggle to express their emotions, keeping everything bottled up until it becomes overwhelming. And for some, it might lead to seeking validation and approval from others, constantly trying to fill that void left by childhood emotional neglect.

Understanding the patterns of childhood emotional neglect that have impacted our lives is the first part of taking back control. It's similar to lighting a dark room—you may confront some unsettling truths, but it's the only way to progress.

One aspect of addressing childhood emotional neglect is learning how to reparent ourselves. That means giving ourselves the love, care, and validation we didn't receive as children. It's about being gentle with ourselves, nurturing our inner child, and rewriting the narratives that have held us back for so long. This process of self-care and self-compassion is a crucial part of our healing journey.

Remembering the importance of building a solid support system is also important. Whether it's friends, family, or a community of like-minded individuals, having people who validate and support us can make all the difference in our healing journey. Sometimes, knowing that we're not alone in our struggles can provide the strength and courage to keep moving forward.

Addressing childhood emotional neglect is ultimately about reclaiming our power and rewriting our stories. It's about recognizing the incredible resilience we've developed, that our past experiences don't define our worth, and that we can create a brighter, more fulfilling future for ourselves.

If you're ready to start your journey of healing from childhood emotional neglect, know that there are resources available to you. You deserve to live a life filled with love, joy, and emotional fulfillment, and it's never too late to make that a reality.

If you have any questions about CEN, or want to understand how therapy can help you, feel free to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation by emailing me at siobhan@siobhanstrickhart.com.

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Breaking the Silence: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness

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The Meaning of Trauma Bonding: How to Identify and Overcome It