Emotional deprivation syndrome encompasses a set of relatively stable characteristics in some people and results from a lack of affection in childhood; childhood is a phase in which every human being is deeply vulnerable; what happens during these years leaves lasting marks that usually manifest throughout life.
The lack of emotional stimuli in childhood blocks emotional development, the baby needs to be recognized through caresses, words, affection and also containment, when this does not happen, there is a failure that prevents psychological evolution from following its natural course.
- Emotional impairment syndrome is characterized mainly by the deep belief that one is not loved.
- There is also an essential dissatisfaction with oneself and a deep fear of abandonment.
- Characteristics that are maintained throughout life.
- But that manifest differently in each age.
“Do you know what makes prison disappear? All genuine and deep affection. Being a friend, brother, lover, is what frees us from prison. Without these affections, we are dead. But every time these evils are relived, will life be reborn?-Vincent Van Gogh-
Some traits are present in people with emotional deprivation syndrome, although many did not feel loved, which differentiates this feeling from the syndrome itself is the stability of symptoms.
The most common signs of emotional impairment syndrome are
As we have already pointed out, the emotional deterioration syndrome manifests itself in different ways according to age, however, the essential features are present at all ages, although their expression varies according to maturity and environment.
Given the age, here are the manifestations in each specific case:
Realistically, emotional deprivation syndrome can never be fully solved, which doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a way out. It is possible to learn to live with this lack and even to enjoy it. The hardest part of it is getting started; once this step is done, things become clearer and clearer.
In these cases it is best to start psychological therapy with an experienced professional, psychodynamic therapies and psychoanalysis usually work very well in these situations, people with emotional deprivation syndrome tend to idealize their therapist and need to know how to meet this excessive expectation. .
It is not easy to overcome this situation alone, because it is a very profound reality and it is common that, without external support, the person ends up boycotting the attempts to heal the wound that he carries in himself. Approaching art, reading, meditation and sport are factors that help a lot.