The Impact of Abandonment on PTSD

Abandonment is often identified as a significant trigger for individuals dealing with childhood PTSD, as it can profoundly affect their emotional responses. Those who experienced neglect or abandonment may struggle to differentiate between genuine situations and perceived threats of rejection, leading to heightened sensitivity in relationships. The primal nature of this trigger is rooted in our evolutionary need for social bonds, making feelings of abandonment especially intense. This emotional dysregulation can manifest in anxiety and fear of being left alone, stemming from traumatic childhood experiences that were often characterized by uncertainty and neglect.