Signs You Had a Horribly Unhealthy Home-Life Growing Up

If you had a wonderful childhood, you’re incredibly lucky. And if you didn’t, it’s not your fault. Childhood abuse, trauma, and emotional instability are unfortunately common, and they can affect you well into adulthood.

Why you should know the signs

Your childhood history could explain why you have certain traits or behaviors. | AntonioGuillem/iStock/Getty Images

Unless you have blocked out your childhood memories entirely, you probably know whether or not yours was considered healthy. But recognizing the signs that still linger will help you identify any remaining trauma you might have or any issues that you may want to work on. Your past doesn’t have to define you, but you owe it to yourself to be the healthiest adult you can be.

These are some of the most common signs that you had a horribly unhealthy home life when you were growing up.

 1. You take failure and rejection extremely hard

You thrive on winning and success. | Rawpixel Ltd/iStock/Getty Images

No one enjoys failure or rejection, but they’re a part of life. But children of toxic parents often have a strong reaction to anything other than success, even as adults.

2. You have low self-esteem

You’re often hard on yourself for not being perfect. | Max-kegfire/iStock/Getty Images

Plenty of things can cause low self-esteem. But if you were constantly belittled and emotionally abused growing up, you may experience a lack of confidence or even self-hatred as an adult.

3. You apologize for everything

You make everything your fault to avoid hurting other people. | Antonio Guillem/iStock/Getty Images

Do you catch yourself apologizing for things that aren’t your fault, or things you can’t control? That may be a lingering symptom of a toxic childhood.

4. You repress your emotions

Your might not show your real emotions to friends or loved ones. | iStock.com

Children tend to repress their emotions to survive the pain of cruel attacks from parents — and it’s a tough habit to kick in adulthood. Limiting your emotional availability could be the result of past emotional abuse.

5. It’s tough to trust others

Trust issues are common in people who grew up with toxic people. | Anyaberkut/iStock/Getty Images

Needless to say, being raised in an unhealthy environment can really mess with your sense of trust. Studies have shown that children raised in toxic families have trouble trusting others as an adult.

6. Your inner voice is very critical

Don’t let your past affect your future. | Antonio Guillem/iStock/Getty Images

When you were raised in a volatile or emotionally abusive environment, it can have a huge impact on the way you talk to yourself when you’re grown. This indicates that you weren’t given the support necessary to build a core of self-belief.

Healing from an unhealthy childhood can be difficult, but it’s possible. Finding ways to break the shackles of shame and release the pain can help you move forward and find inner peace.

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