Abandonment and Neglect Issues

Abandonment and neglect can happen to a child as well as to an adult. Neglect is when a person fails or disregards their obligation to another person. Instead of doing what they were meant to do, for one reason or another they don’t do what they ought. Abandonment is about leaving someone and not being present for them, whether emotionally, physically, or otherwise. Abandonment and neglect name a failure to provide for the legitimate needs of another person that you’re obligated to care for.

There are several kinds of relationships in which abandonment and neglect can happen. This includes the parent-child relationship, and it also includes spouses and relationships with another person who is dependent upon you.

Some examples of abandonment and neglect include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Not providing support or care for one’s minor children, or one’s dependents such as an aged parent. This includes food, shelter, medical care, or meaningful communication and supervision
• Reneging on your duty of care by permanently leaving a child with another person or on a doorstep
• Walking out and leaving your spouse without just cause and without providing them with necessary financial support
• Withholding sexual intimacy regularly and consistently from one’s spouse without cause
• Refusing to share your emotions or engage and acknowledge the emotions of the other person in the relationship
• Cutting ties with family without reasonable cause
• Refusal to care for a spouse, child, or other dependent with significant or chronic health challenges
• Leaving an elderly person or a child alone for stretches of time in a way that jeopardizes their health or safety

From the above examples of abandonment issues, it’s apparent that a person can be physically present in a relationship but nonetheless be emotionally absent and neglectful. Abandonment and neglect can occur in a variety of ways, and if you have experienced it, it is important for you to seek help and not try to deal with it on your own. The counselors at California Christian Counseling can help you journey through any feelings of pain, grief, and mistrust toward wholeness and peace.

Abandonment and neglect can affect how a person forms and maintains relationships in the future. It can shape a child’s expectations of future relationships, distorting how they communicate their needs and are in those relationships.

Abandonment and neglect can have a profound impact here and now in a person’s life, and for a long time afterward. In some situations, the effects of abandonment issues are fully felt much later in life.

Some of the effects of abandonment issues in children and in adults include:

• Having a poor self-image and deep insecurity
• Self-doubt
• Feelings of shame and a sense of worthlessness
• Developing trust issues
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Grief
• Depression
• Feelings of confusion and disbelief
• Extreme emotional pain
• Withdrawal from social connections
• Hopelessness or despair
• Obsessing about the abandonment
• Being overly sensitive to criticism
• Substance abuse
• Constant need for reassurance
• Self-harm

Abandonment and neglect can result in poor mental, emotional, and physical well-being, not to mention unhealthy relationships with others. You and your loved ones don’t have to deal with the impact of abandonment and neglect alone. California Christian Counseling provides counseling for children, teens, and adults that can help you overcome the effects of abandonment and neglect.

Abandonment issues can generate numerous negative life outcomes if not addressed. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with abandonment and neglect by yourself. With the help of a Christian counselor in California, you can begin your journey toward healing and wholeness.

God created us for rich and fulfilling relationships, and your counselor at California Christian Counseling will nurture a safe space for you to share the experiences you’ve had, and to explore any fears and anxieties you may have as a result.

Not only that, but your counselor will walk alongside you as you unpack and process the trauma you have experienced because of the abandonment or neglect. You do not have to deal with the life-changing effects of abandonment and neglect issues alone.

The goal of the Christian counselors at California Christian Counseling is to help you address and come to terms with neglect and abandonment so that you can overcome the effects in your life. Reach out to find out more about Christian counseling in California for abandonment or neglect issues or to set up an initial risk-free session.