Whether it’s due to mental health issues, drug abuse or the physical absence of parents or caregivers through death or divorce, abandonment trauma can leave lasting effects into adulthood. These include feelings of rejection, guilt and low self-worth, as well as relationship problems, psychiatric symptoms, substance use and unhealthy coping behaviors.

The plight of abandoned children is more common than many people think. In fact, the number of abandoned children worldwide is likely much higher than the global population estimates. Fortunately, the majority of abandoned children are cared for by social services and other agencies that provide them with safe homes, education and psychosocial support. However, even in the most supportive environments, it’s important to recognize the signs of abandonment anxiety and address them when they occur.

Abandonment is the most severe form of child neglect and one of the most difficult to treat. The reasons for abandonment vary, but the underlying factors typically involve poverty, lack of resources and societal pressures. Regardless of the reason, it’s an extremely heartbreaking event for both the child and family.

When parents consciously decide to abandon their children, it usually results in them legally turning the children over to social services and temporary foster care. The process varies by country and state, but the goal is to give children a permanent home as soon as possible. This is often done by passing “Safe Haven” laws that allow the parents to legally surrender the baby in a registered location, such as a hospital or adoption agency.

The effects of abandonment trauma may linger long into adulthood, creating a pattern of volatile relationships and a core belief that they don’t deserve love or attention. It can also cause emotional distress, including depression and feelings of loneliness, which can interfere with daily functioning.

In some cases, the trauma caused by abandonment as a child can lead to a variety of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Symptoms of these conditions can be so severe that they are often misdiagnosed and undertreated.

While some level of fear of abandonment is normal, it can become invasive and prevent someone from leading a happy, healthy life. If someone is experiencing extreme fear of abandonment, a therapist can help them overcome their phobia and teach them ways to develop healthy relationships. They can also recommend psychoeducational and supportive interventions that can help reduce the risk of future traumatic experiences. These tools can help improve a person’s ability to regulate their emotions, which is essential for healthy living. For example, learning to identify and respond to their negative emotions in a healthy way can decrease feelings of shame and guilt. This allows a person to be more resilient against the negative effects of childhood abandonment.