Pain is a normal and expected reaction to the loss of important relationships.
But for some parents rejected by adult children, ordinary pain is made worse by unhealed injuries from the past. (See also The Deep Pain of the Rejected Parent)
If you’ve been hurt deeply or often in your life, even a healthy response could create troublesome reactions to current problems.
Having your heart stuck in the past often makes things worse in the present. Overreacting is a good example.
In a recent blog post on Psychology Today, I wrote about this phenomenon of the past dictating the present and having a negative impact on the future:
If the past is interfering with your present feelings and behavior, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. Healing is possible and desirable for people of all ages.
If you’re a member of the Reconnection Club, you might be interested in my interview with Pat Patrick on trauma and its impacts on daily life. That conversation walks you through the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire, and offers hope for better days ahead.
You must be logged in to access the recording. Not a member? Learn more and join.
Anyone can learn more about trauma for free by listening to the Trauma Chat Podcast hosted by my colleague, Laura Reagan, LCSW-C.
