Signs you had an emotionally abusive parent

Feeling like you have to walk on eggshells around your parents may be a sign of emotional abuse, even if nothing serious has ever happened.

Moody

Multiple Blue Rings

verly critical

Overcritical parenting can lead to a harsh inner-critic, as children internalize the negative feedback and self-doubt instilled by their parents.

Burst
Multiple Blue Rings

Dismissing your emotions

Opening up is crucial at any stage of life. Dismissing someone's feelings as "nothing" can be hurtful, especially from a parent to a child.

Burst

Passive aggression: hiding true feelings, expressing indirectly. Parent acting cheerful but lacking affection is an example.

Passive aggression

Anxiety in a parent can transfer to a child, causing stress and health problems. Children may feel helpless and unsupported when asked for help.

Overly anxious

Parental guilt-tripping: "I gave you everything and you treat me like this." Adults spot it, but parents may use it.

Guilt trips

Multiple Blue Rings

Silent treatment

Silent treatment is unhealthy in interpersonal conflicts. It can be emotionally abusive and harmful to children. Red flag in romantic relationships.

Burst
Multiple Blue Rings

Present but absent

An emotionally unavailable parent, even if physically present, can cause feelings of disconnection and difficulty with social interaction in adulthood.

Burst
Multiple Blue Rings

Overly involved

Neglect and over-involvement are both harmful. Children need privacy to develop healthy boundaries. Invasion of personal space can be emotional abuse.

Burst

Early acceptance of mistreatment may lead to tolerating it in adult relationships. Emotional abuse survivors may self-blame when mistreated.

You blame yourself for other people’s behavior

Emotional abuse survivors may engage in self-destructive behaviors like self-harm, substance abuse, or risky sex as coping mechanisms.

You exhibit self-destructive behavior