Whether it’s physical or emotional abandonment, children who experience parental rejection as part of their childhood have a harder time trusting others and may struggle with forming healthy relationships throughout life. A lack of parental love can also impact a child’s sense of self-worth, contributing to shame. This can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem that can be difficult to overcome as an adult.

Abandonment is the failure to provide a child with a safe, nurturing environment and can be a form of neglect or abuse. It can be as simple as a parent leaving their child at home alone with no intention of returning or it can be more serious, such as the rape or murder of one or both parents.

Children who are abandoned may face a range of challenges in their lives including mental health problems and substance abuse. Abandoned children are more likely to develop depression, anxiety and PTSD than those who have not experienced this trauma as part of their childhood. They are also more likely to experience difficulties in their romantic relationships and to have difficulty with intimacy.

While many factors can contribute to abandonment, one of the most common reasons is poverty. Families living in poverty are often unable to afford proper care for their children and as a result, some parents decide to abandon them. Other reasons can include drug abuse, financial stress and domestic violence. In these cases, the children are left to fend for themselves and often become victims of abuse, neglect and even death.

Physically, abandoned children can be at a high risk for malnutrition, disease and even death. They may be forced to live in squalid conditions and have no access to food, water or healthcare. They may resort to begging or illegal activities for income and find themselves at the mercy of dangerous predators.

If a child is physically abandoned, it can be extremely hard for them to heal and feel safe again. They will have a constant fear of being discarded or neglected again and this can cause them to isolate themselves, have poor impulse control and experience mood swings. This can impact their ability to form loving relationships in adulthood and contribute to depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

For children who are struggling with these issues, it is important for parents to be available and to talk about these concerns frequently. This is a sensitive topic and it can be difficult to bring up but it is vital for the overall well-being of the child. Children need continuous reassurance that they are loved and have the support they need to thrive. Having these conversations early on can help children to deal with any issues that arise as they grow into adults. If you are worried about your child’s emotional health, contact a therapist or call your local child abuse hotline. They can help you find the support that you and your child need.