"Devon grew up in an average middle-class household where his physical needs were met, yet he always felt lonely and dismissed by his family, who never had time for him. As an adult, he struggled to describe his childhood as abusive because there were no obvious signs of harm, leading him to question the validity of his feelings."
"When Devon expressed emotions, his parents often dismissed him, telling him he was 'too sensitive' or that others had it worse. This common response leaves individuals questioning whether their own pain is valid, making them feel as if they are not allowed to have feelings about their experiences."
"Many people sense that something wasn't right in their childhood but feel unsure or guilty calling it abuse. Children depend on adults for their physical and emotional needs, and the imbalance of power is essential for healthy development. Abuse is a betrayal of that trust."
Trauma can occur even in households where caregivers provide basic needs. Many individuals, like Devon, struggle to label their experiences as abusive due to a lack of obvious signs. Emotional dismissal from caregivers can lead to feelings of invalidation. Children often feel guilty for acknowledging their pain, especially when comparing their experiences to those of others. The imbalance of power between adults and children is crucial for development, and abuse fundamentally betrays that trust.
Read at Psychology Today
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