Are you or someone you love struggling with abandonment trauma? You’re not alone. Feelings of fear, rejection, or loss from those we depend on can deeply affect how we see ourselves and the world—sometimes leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Facing such challenges can seem overwhelming, but healing is possible. Consider seeking professional support like PTSD treatment services, which can help address trauma’s profound effects. At Northeast Health Services, we’re committed to helping our Massachusetts community better understand mental health and find the support they need. Call 508.794.8711 to learn more about the signs and symptoms of abandonment trauma, how it connects to PTSD, and how treatment can help you or a loved one thrive once again.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma is the body and mind’s response to deeply distressing or disturbing events. While trauma can sometimes result from singular, shocking incidents—like an accident or natural disaster—it can also stem from more prolonged scenarios, such as neglect or emotional loss.

What Are the Different Types of Trauma?

Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are a few broad categories to better understand its forms:

• Acute trauma – Results from a single event (e.g., losing a loved one or an accident).
• Chronic trauma – Ongoing exposure to events like abuse or bullying.
• Complex trauma – Stems from multiple traumatic experiences, often within dependent relationships, like neglect or betrayal by caregivers in childhood.

Childhood trauma is another type worth noting, as it significantly impacts development, relationships, and well-being. Understanding these categories helps clarify where abandonment trauma fits in the bigger picture.

What Is Abandonment Trauma?

Rejection, desertion, or neglect—by someone vital to stability, particularly in early life—can lead to abandonment trauma, causing deep emotional hurt. For children, this can result from parents leaving, neglecting emotional needs, or being emotionally unavailable. Adults may experience it through breakups, divorce, or losing important relationships. These events can leave lasting wounds, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and relationships for years.

Symptoms of Abandonment Trauma

Abandonment trauma manifests in emotional, physical, and behavioral patterns that can negatively impact one’s quality of life. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Fear of rejection – Constant worry that loved ones may leave or betray them
• Difficulty trusting others – Struggling to form or maintain close relationships out of fear of being hurt
• High anxiety – Frequent stress or worry, especially in relationships
• Low self-esteem – Feeling unworthy or blaming oneself
• Dependency – Clinging to others for constant reassurance
• Avoidance – Avoiding deep emotional connections due to fear of loss
• Physical symptoms – Emotional distress often causes headaches, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or digestive issues

Recognizing these signs is the first step to seeking help and healing.

How PTSD Treatment Services Can Help

Recovering from trauma isn’t something anyone should face alone. Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment services provide evidence-based care to help people rebuild their mental health and sense of safety.

At Northeast Health Services, our treatment options include:

• Individual therapy – Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teach healthier coping tools and help process unresolved emotions.
• Group therapy – Share experiences and healing journeys with others in a supportive setting.
• Medication management – For those needing extra support with anxiety, depression, or severe PTSD symptoms, psychiatric treatments are available.

Healing from trauma takes time, but treatment helps people process pain, identify patterns, and regain confidence to live meaningfully.

Find the Support You Deserve with Northeast Health Services in Massachusetts

Abandonment trauma doesn’t have to define your life. Recognizing the signs is the first step, and exploring healing options can help you thrive emotionally, physically, and mentally. Northeast Health Services empowers clients to heal at their own pace in supportive environments. Call 508.794.8711 to learn more.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.