These 15 Signs Show You Were Emotionally Abused as a Kid
Emotional abuse during childhood leaves scars that may not always be visible, but their impact can last a lifetime. The effects often show up in subtle, deeply ingrained behaviors that can be hard to recognize in yourself.
Understanding the signs of childhood emotional abuse is the first step toward healing. These signs may manifest in various aspects of your life, affecting relationships, self-esteem, and mental health.
Here are 15 signs that indicate you were emotionally abused as a kid, along with how those experiences might still influence you today.
You Fear Conflict

Avoiding arguments at all costs is common for those who faced emotional abuse as children. The constant fear of upsetting others makes you prioritize peace over your own feelings.
You may struggle to speak up even when something bothers you.
You Have Trouble Trusting People

Emotional abuse often destroys trust in those closest to you. This trauma can make it hard for you to trust anyone, even friends or partners.
You may always be on guard, waiting for people to hurt you.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You Seek Constant Validation

As a child, you may have been made to feel like nothing you did was good enough. This can lead to seeking approval from everyone around you as an adult.
You rely on others to affirm your worth, which can affect your self-esteem.
You Struggle with Self-Worth

Emotionally abusive childhoods often teach kids they aren’t good enough. These feelings can persist into adulthood, making you doubt your own value.
You may feel like you never deserve good things or success.
You Overthink Everything

Constant criticism in childhood makes you second-guess every decision. You might spend hours replaying situations in your mind, fearing you’ve done something wrong.
This overthinking can lead to anxiety and stress.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You Feel Responsible for Others’ Emotions

Growing up, you may have been blamed for other people's feelings or reactions. Now, you likely feel responsible for making sure everyone around you is happy.
This can leave you emotionally drained as you put others' needs ahead of your own.
You Have a Hard Time Setting Boundaries

Emotional abuse often teaches kids to put others first, no matter the cost. As an adult, you might struggle to set healthy boundaries in relationships.
You might feel guilty for saying no, even when it's necessary for your well-being.
You Avoid Talking About Your Feelings

When you were emotionally abused, expressing your emotions may have led to further hurt. Now, you keep your feelings bottled up, fearing vulnerability.
This makes it hard to connect deeply with others or express your true self.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You Feel Unworthy of Love

Emotional abuse as a child can convince you that you’re not deserving of love. This belief can cause you to sabotage relationships or push people away.
You might find it hard to accept affection, fearing that it will be taken away.
You Have Trouble Making Decisions

If every choice you made was criticized growing up, you may struggle with decision-making as an adult. Fear of making the wrong choice can paralyze you.
You might seek endless reassurance before taking any action.
You Apologize Constantly

Those who experienced emotional abuse often feel like they are always at fault. You may find yourself saying sorry for things that aren’t even your responsibility.
This behavior stems from a need to avoid conflict and maintain harmony.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You Struggle with Boundaries in Romantic Relationships

Emotional abuse in childhood can set the stage for unhealthy romantic dynamics later in life. You may find it hard to assert your needs or expect respect from your partner.
This can lead to imbalances in your relationships, where your well-being is compromised.
You Fear Being Abandoned

Emotional abuse can instill a deep fear of being left behind. This fear may manifest in clingy behavior or a reluctance to fully trust others in relationships.
You might constantly worry that people will leave you, no matter how secure the relationship seems.
You Minimize Your Own Pain

You were probably taught to ignore or downplay your emotions. As a result, you might brush off your own feelings, telling yourself “it’s not a big deal.”
This can prevent you from acknowledging and healing from past wounds.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You Feel Like You Don’t Deserve Success

Growing up with emotional abuse can create a feeling that success isn’t for you. Even when you achieve something, you might feel like it’s undeserved.
This imposter syndrome can stop you from fully enjoying your accomplishments.
More from IEPMommy

- 30 Beautiful Baby Girl Names You’ll Never Regret Choosing
- Disillusioned Parents Share 26 Harsh Realities of Raising Kids
- We Asked Our Parents to Stop Giving Toys to Our Kids And Give Them These Instead
- The 25 Sweetest and Girliest Names for Your Little Princess
- 18 Hilarious Fads That Will Disappear with Baby Boomers
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.