As a clinician, I am a firm believer that so many feelings of mental anguish stem from how our caregivers loved, cared, and nurtured- as well as how our caretaking team did. Feelings of abandonment show up in the way we interact with our world, what we value, what we fear, and how we perceive the world to be. To add, these wounds shed light into our mental wellbeing, our physical health, and our relationships with ourselves and with others. Our support team and our relationships are bottom-line of utmost importance in our lives, the way we heal, and how quickly we can bounce back. However, many clients I have worked with do not have healthy teams, supportive teams, or deeply nourishing teams on their side. This, then, can make healing difficult and rocky. What can we do about it? and why is it important?

10 Ways to Work on and Get Over Childhood Abandonment Wounds

1. Therapy: Seek professional help from a therapist specializing in childhood trauma to work through abandonment issues.

2. Journaling: Write about your feelings and experiences to process emotions related to childhood abandonment.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness to stay present and cultivate self-awareness, managing triggers stemming from abandonment wounds.

4. Healthy Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries in relationships to protect yourself from re-experiencing feelings of abandonment.

5. Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion to develop a kind and understanding relationship with yourself, soothing the effects of childhood wounds.

6. Support Groups: Join support groups or online forums with individuals who have similar experiences to find understanding and validation.

7. Creative Outlets: Engage in creative activities like art, music, or dance to express emotions in a non-verbal way, aiding in healing.

8. Physical Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem.

9. Inner Child Work: Explore inner child healing techniques to address wounded aspects of your inner child and foster self-nurturing behaviors.

10. Education and Awareness: Educate yourself about childhood abandonment, its impact on adult relationships, and ways to heal to empower your healing journey effectively.

Importance of Working on Childhood Abandonment Wounds

Working on and getting over childhood abandonment wounds is crucial for several reasons:

1. Healthy Relationships: Resolving abandonment wounds allows for healthier dynamics in current and future relationships.

2. Emotional Well-being: Healing childhood wounds leads to improved emotional well-being and a greater sense of self-acceptance.

3. Self-Esteem: Addressing abandonment wounds helps boost self-esteem and self-worth that may have been impacted in childhood.

4. Break Generational Cycles: By healing childhood wounds, individuals can prevent passing down unresolved trauma to future generations.

5. Increased Resilience: Overcoming childhood abandonment wounds enhances resilience and coping skills in facing life's challenges.

6. Personal Growth: Healing childhood wounds facilitates personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

7. Mental Health: Addressing abandonment wounds can prevent the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

8. Self-Awareness: Working on childhood wounds enhances self-awareness, enabling individuals to understand their triggers and responses better.

9. Empowerment: Overcoming childhood abandonment wounds empowers individuals to take control of their narratives and live more consciously.

10. Happiness and Fulfillment: Ultimately, healing childhood abandonment wounds paves the way for a happier, more fulfilling life rooted in self-love and acceptance.