Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
UnicornsCasual Contributor
Does anyone else have experience with long-term emotional neglect that has developed into CPTSD? I would love to connect with those who's experiences have caused them to be drawn to relationships that harm them. I am in the same boat and struggling with a lack of empathy, understanding and support. I'm a 41F if that helps. Thank you.
In response to: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
REDLINEZ750Senior Contributor
HI @Unicorns
You will have support come to you here for sure, i can understand and have same diagnosis only being a 51m may not be suitable for you which is cool, i just saw no ones responded yet and hope to prevent you feeling disheartened by that
In response to: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
heartathomeSenior Contributor
Hi @Unicorns. 🙂 I'm new as well! I'm a 64f and I grew up in the 60's and 70's. I was brought up under a Dr Spock. He told mothers to change them, feed them every 4 hours only! The baby is left to cry until the next 4 hours. I consider that as neglect. Our family never discussed feelings, and all issues were swept under the rug, including other abuse. I have also been in an abusive relationship (verbal and emotional) I even married him! It lasted 18mths! There were kids involved as well.20 odd years with a psychiatrist has helped me heal but I'm left with CPTSD among other things.🌷
In response to: Re: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
heartathomeSenior Contributor
What a lovely thing to do @REDLINEZ750! Good on you for reaching out to a newbie! I really love that!
In response to: Re: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
UnicornsCasual Contributor
Thank you. I feel very, very lost.
In response to: Re: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
UnicornsCasual Contributor
In response to: Re: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
fruitisgoodSenior Contributor
Hey @Unicorns I relate to what you've experienced. Also diagnosed with CPTSD from a very dysfunctional upbringing. Abusive/ absent family, assault, neglect.
It leaves its mark and has led me into many risky relationships and situations growing into my adult self.
Ive just left a very toxic relationship which constantly had me feeling triggered. It was very hard to break away, and interestingly even while I was in the thick of it I still carried this awareness that I wasnt going to keep repeating the same relationship patterns. I guess it just took me a few goes before I really realised it in myself.
Youre not alone. Navigating cptsd is hard work. Its ... complex (ha)
Im a little bit younger than you (31). All else I can say for now is that whats helping me is strengthening my inner relationship with 'little me'. The one who didnt get the love and care and attention they needed as a child. So today I try my best to give them what they need and be kind and patient.
In response to: Re: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
REDLINEZ750Senior Contributor
@heartathome im only been here new too and i know too much silence for me is too much anxiety and im glad i didnt bail for head saying i dont belong as there are a lot of accepting people, that said thank you for kind words i dont mean to sound dismissive its appreciated
@Unicorns ghave you looked at spaces under blue forums bar?
it just opens more options and threads if notif you want to get a person in particular use the @ in front of name like that and in sopaces can teach you things too
In response to: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
WhydoidoitCasual Contributor
Hi I am in a very similar boat to you. I had absent, unemotional parents who made me feel never good enough. I was always told that in various ways that I wasn't wanted and that I would never amount to much. This led me to become a people pleaser who then fell into an extremely violent relationship that I didn't know how to get out of. Now I am in a relationship with an amazing man and I don't know how to act. I am really struggling and I don't know what to do. I am 44F so we would have grown up in the same era.
In response to: Re: CPTSD from long-term emotional neglect and DV (emotional and verbal abuse)
rav3nSenior Contributor
hey @Whydoidoit welcome to the forums!! i'm so sorry to hear how hard things were for you, but i'm so glad to hear that you're with someone who treats you well. you absolutely deserve it. have you shared how you feel with him? perhaps he can support you in feeling more reassured.
also i wanted to jump and let you know that you can tag people you want to respond to by using the @ symbol and typing their username. when it turns blue like this @Whydoidoit, it means they'll be notified of your reply.
look forward to seeing you around!
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
