childhood emotional neglect part 7: signs and symptoms – chronic feelings of emptiness and counter-dependence

As we transition into a new phase of our mega-series exploring the impact of childhood emotional neglect (CEN), we’ll begin examining the lasting effects of CEN as they manifest in late adolescence and early adulthood. This installment exposes the first two critical, often covert impacts: chronic feelings of emptiness and counter-dependence.First, we address the pervasive sense of emptiness that haunts individuals long after their childhood has ended. This condition is more than fleeting sadness; it's a persistent, profound lack of fulfillment that manifests physically as a void and emotionally as disconnection. This episode explores the depths of this emptiness, elucidating its subtle yet powerful influence on personal identity and engagement with the world.Next, the discussion shifts to counter-dependence, a symptom frequently misunderstood and overlooked. Far from a healthy preference for independence, counter-dependence is a severe aversion to vulnerability, born from the protective instincts developed in response to childhood neglect. This segment examines how such an extreme self-reliance can alienate individuals from meaningful support and intimacy, often to their detriment.Accompanied by targeted reflection questions, this episode not only helps listeners identify these experiences in their own lives but also offers an understanding of their origins. By recognizing these patterns, listeners can begin to address the profound impact of early emotional neglect on their adult lives.Tune in as we delve into these intricate psychological phenomena, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge and strategies to overcome the enduring effects of childhood neglect. This exploration is not merely about identifying pain—it's about moving towards recovery and reclaiming a fuller, more connected life.Recommended Resources:✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhDCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors, or contact me, visit backfromtheborderline.com Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

You can perform emotional alchemy and I will show you how.The idea of alchemy is to reduce something with fire – burning it down so that something new can rise from the ashes. You can do this with your personality, too. You’ve always had the power; you just didn’t know that. Now you do. Highly sensitive, emotional, and intuitive children are often impacted most severely by dysfunctional family dynamics, childhood emotional neglect, sexual abuse, grooming, generational trauma, and inherited toxic shame. As adults, these same children often find themselves with a disorder or dysfunction label, as mainstream psychiatry tries to convince them that the root of their suffering is due to a disordered personality or chemical imbalance. Our current medical model of mental health is quick to pathologize. Psychiatrists and therapists operating within this model often ask, “What’s wrong with you?” but rarely, “What *happened* to you?” Personalities are not cancerous tumors; psychological suffering cannot be accurately understood or treated through the lens of a purely medical model. We have to go deeper. And that's exactly what we do here on Back from the Borderline. A path toward healing exists, even though I know it can feel impossible when you’re looking up from rock bottom. Through working with and integrating the concepts we explore in each episode together, you’ll learn to:✧ Better regulate, name and process your emotions✧ Understand and reduce chronic feelings of emptiness✧ Confront and uproot your toxic shame✧ Put an end to recurring patterns of self-sabotage✧ Connect with your Higher Self✧ Break the cycle of generational family trauma✧ Set healthier boundaries with yourself and others✧ Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships✧ Heal from a chronic need to please and seek validation from othersTune in and prepare yourself to be standing in the ashes of the person you used to be. New episodes drop every Tuesday. As for me? I'm Mollie Adler. A disillusioned millennial, podcaster, writer, creative, existential thinker, obsessive researcher (huge nerd), and fellow f*cked up human desperately trying to find meaning in a society and culture that seems to be devoid of it. To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit https://linktr.ee/backfromtheborderline. Anyone – even you – can come Back From the Borderline. 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪  acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.