Possible effects experienced by people who were raised by emotionally unavailable caregivers

• Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions:

You often feel very uncomfortable with people’s “negative” emotions and you have the urge to make it stop or to make them feel better quickly, so that you don’t have to put up with the stress you feel within yourself from seeing them in stress.

• Tendency to criticise yourself:

A little harsh voice in the background constantly doubting the things you say and do.

• Suppression of emotions:

You think you are too needy and often try not to feel or express emotions.

• People- pleasing:

You feel your value is only measured by what you do for others.

• Fear of abandonment:

In relationships you fear people will leave you. You often threaten to leave or want to leave the relationship first to avoid being abandoned.

• Low-self esteem:

You often compare yourself to others and struggle to see your worth.

Feeling safe in the body is a crucial step towards resolving these issues.

People who were raised in unpredictable environments and/or were often harshly criticised feel unsafe and unsure about themselves.

Starting to invite more regulation into your nervous system is a key component. Even though attachment styles are formed in relationship to others. Repair starts within your own body. Feeling safe within yourself is the first step to make it possible to start feeling safe around others and more confident about your abilities.