Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, mental health problems, and interpersonal conflicts can result from having an emotionally immature parent. To make their children feel bad about themselves, they may use guilt or shame. These parents can be controlling, demanding, and unreliable. Gibson coined the term emotionally immature (EI) parents, this phrase is used to describe parents who are unable or unwilling to support their children emotionally. I want to talk about the effects of emotionally immature parents on young children, which causes a lifetime of traumatic experiences.Įmotionally immature parents cause childhood traumaĪuthor Lindsay C. But that’s not necessarily what I’m talking about here. This could mean a single traumatic event (such as a natural disaster) can trigger childhood trauma.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, childhood trauma is defined as: “The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.” We all experience some level of difficulty growing up so where is the difference between “normal” tough childhood experiences versus early childhood trauma? Childhood trauma is described as serious adverse childhood experiences. What does it mean to suffer childhood trauma? The effects of trauma are just as complex and can result in everything from anxiety disorders, mental illness, sleep problems, heart disease, behavioral problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and so much more. Yet, childhood abuse and trauma are much more complex. Often, we think of child abuse as sexual abuse or physical abuse. It’s important to know that can experience childhood trauma in many forms. You are safe to recognize and begin to heal that pain. Withholding emotional support to a child causes deep emotional distress. As a child, I would beg my mother for a hug when I was filled with suicidal thoughts, and her response was, “I just can’t do that for you.”įor years, I didn’t understand that this was emotional abuse also known as emotional neglect. This means taking a hard look at yourself to see where your shortcomings are and finding ways to heal and grow.

I’m done keeping my mouth shut as a parent, it is your responsibility to keep your child safe mentally, emotionally, and physically. Remember, what you experienced is your truth it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned.Īs you begin to explore how trauma (even covert trauma) has impacted your life, keep in mind that others will want to discredit your experience. Over the past decade, I have been on a personal development journey to heal and recover. I don’t share anything to harm or disparage anyone it’s simply to help others learn and grow.

So when I share my stories and how they impacted me, this is my truth. I lived in a state of flight-or-flight for my entire life, which has created long-term mental, emotional, and physical health issues.įirst and foremost, I want to say that my memories, experiences, and emotions are mine alone. Growing up, I had no sense of safety, which has had an intense impact on my nervous system. My parents kept a roof over my head and food in my stomach and always told me that “they did their best.” My mother constantly made sure I knew how much she sacrificed for us and how grateful we should be to her.Īs an adult, I can look back and say, if that was your best, you should be ashamed. I tried to convince myself I didn’t have childhood trauma for years. Can childhood trauma cause PTSD? Absolutely.

Unresolved trauma signs