{"id":8311,"date":"2026-01-30T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/?p=8311"},"modified":"2026-01-27T19:37:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T11:37:39","slug":"how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"How Childhood Emotional Neglect Affects Adult Anxiety and Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-11-05-at-16.38.18-e1762334736146-250x250-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8230\" style=\"width:78px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><p>Written By: <a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/about-us\/our-team-in-ipoh\/\">Thiviyah Ravichandran, Clinical Psychologist (MAHPC(CP)00620)<\/a>,<\/p><p>Many people grow up believing they had a \u201cnormal\u201d or \u201cfine\u201d childhood. There was no obvious abuse, no major chaos, no dramatic conflict. And yet, as adults, they quietly struggle with anxiety, emotional emptiness, or a deep sense of sadness they can\u2019t fully explain.<\/p><p>They often appear high-functioning. Responsible. Caring. Independent.<\/p><p>But inside, there may be:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A constant feeling of pressure<\/li>\n\n<li>Difficulty relaxing<\/li>\n\n<li>A lingering sense of isolation, even when surrounded by others<\/li><\/ul><p>For many adults in Malaysia, this emotional experience is rooted in childhood emotional neglect an experience that often goes unnoticed because nothing terrible seemed to happen, yet something essential was missing.<\/p><p>Not harm.<br>But a lack of emotional presence.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#How_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_Leads_to_Adult_Anxiety_and_Depression\" title=\"How Childhood Emotional Neglect Leads to Adult Anxiety and Depression\">How Childhood Emotional Neglect Leads to Adult Anxiety and Depression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#How_Emotional_Neglect_Shapes_the_Nervous_System\" title=\"How Emotional Neglect Shapes the Nervous System\">How Emotional Neglect Shapes the Nervous System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_in_the_Malaysian_Context\" title=\"Childhood Emotional Neglect in the Malaysian Context\">Childhood Emotional Neglect in the Malaysian Context<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#How_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_Causes_Anxiety_in_Adults\" title=\"How Childhood Emotional Neglect Causes Anxiety in Adults\">How Childhood Emotional Neglect Causes Anxiety in Adults<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#How_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_Leads_to_Adult_Depression\" title=\"How Childhood Emotional Neglect Leads to Adult Depression\">How Childhood Emotional Neglect Leads to Adult Depression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#The_Hidden_Impact_on_Self-Worth\" title=\"The Hidden Impact on Self-Worth\">The Hidden Impact on Self-Worth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#How_Emotional_Neglect_Affects_Adult_Relationships\" title=\"How Emotional Neglect Affects Adult Relationships\">How Emotional Neglect Affects Adult Relationships<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#Healing_From_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect\" title=\"Healing From Childhood Emotional Neglect\">Healing From Childhood Emotional Neglect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#Relearning_Emotional_Connection\" title=\"Relearning Emotional Connection\">Relearning Emotional Connection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-affects-adult-anxiety-and-depression\/#Therapy_Support_in_Kuala_Lumpur_Petaling_Jaya_Ipoh\" title=\"Therapy Support in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya &amp; Ipoh\">Therapy Support in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya &amp; Ipoh<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_Leads_to_Adult_Anxiety_and_Depression\"><\/span>How Childhood Emotional Neglect Leads to Adult Anxiety and Depression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Childhood emotional neglect does not always come from unkind or malicious parents. In many cases, caregivers loved their children deeply but did not know how to respond emotionally often due to their own trauma, cultural expectations, stress, or survival pressures.<\/p><p>Emotional neglect occurs when a child\u2019s inner world is unseen or unsupported, such as when:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Emotions were dismissed or minimized<\/li>\n\n<li>Sadness, fear, or anger were discouraged<\/li>\n\n<li>Vulnerability was treated as weakness<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cBeing strong\u201d was praised over emotional honesty<\/li>\n\n<li>Achievements mattered more than emotional connection<\/li><\/ul><p>It can sound like:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cStop crying. There\u2019s nothing to be upset about.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cYou\u2019re fine. Don\u2019t make a fuss.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cBe grateful. Other kids have it worse.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p>Or sometimes, it sounded like nothing at all.<\/p><p>No one noticed when you were hurting.<\/p><p>The child adapts not by acting out, but by turning inward. They learn that:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Their feelings are inconvenient<\/li>\n\n<li>Their needs are burdensome<\/li>\n\n<li>Comfort is something they must provide for themselves<\/li><\/ul><p>This doesn\u2019t stay as a memory.<\/p><p>It becomes a way of being.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Emotional_Neglect_Shapes_the_Nervous_System\"><\/span>How Emotional Neglect Shapes the Nervous System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Children don\u2019t stop needing emotional connection when it isn\u2019t available. Instead, they stop expressing the need.<\/p><p>Over time, they may learn to:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Withdraw instead of reaching out<\/li>\n\n<li>Please others rather than risk disappointment<\/li>\n\n<li>Stay \u201cstrong\u201d instead of vulnerable<\/li>\n\n<li>Avoid conflict at all costs<\/li><\/ul><p>Externally, they may appear resilient and capable.<\/p><p>Internally, their nervous system remains in a subtle state of tension constantly managing emotions alone, constantly monitoring themselves, constantly holding everything together.<\/p><p>This long-term emotional self-containment can later express itself as:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Anxiety<\/li>\n\n<li>Chronic worry or tension<\/li>\n\n<li>Emotional numbness<\/li>\n\n<li>Depression<\/li>\n\n<li>Difficulty identifying feelings<\/li>\n\n<li>A sense of emptiness or disconnection<\/li><\/ul><p>Not because something went wrong.<\/p><p>But because support was never available where it mattered most.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_in_the_Malaysian_Context\"><\/span>Childhood Emotional Neglect in the Malaysian Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>In Malaysia, emotional neglect is often unintentional and culturally reinforced. Many adults grew up learning to prioritise endurance, gratitude, and responsibility over emotional expression.<\/p><p>Children were encouraged to stay strong, not complain, and cope quietly especially during periods of academic pressure, financial stress, or multigenerational family expectations. While these values foster resilience, they can also unintentionally teach children to suppress emotional needs.<\/p><p>As adults, this may show up as high achievement on the outside, paired with anxiety, emotional disconnection, or low mood on the inside.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_Causes_Anxiety_in_Adults\"><\/span>How Childhood Emotional Neglect Causes Anxiety in Adults<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Adults who experienced emotional neglect often describe anxiety as something familiar rather than sudden. Not an occasional reaction, but a lifelong state.<\/p><p>It may show up as:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fear of burdening others<\/li>\n\n<li>Difficulty asking for help<\/li>\n\n<li>Perfectionism or over-responsibility<\/li>\n\n<li>Feeling on edge without knowing why<\/li>\n\n<li>Discomfort when life slows down or feels calm<\/li><\/ul><p>Growing up without emotional attunement meant learning to manage big emotions alone. That internal self-management becomes habitual.<\/p><p>The anxiety does not come from weakness.<\/p><p>It comes from living too long without emotional support or co-regulation.<\/p><p>The nervous system learned:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cI must handle everything alone.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cI cannot depend on others emotionally.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cIf I have needs, I will be disappointed.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p>That belief becomes anxiety in adulthood especially in relationships, leadership roles, or moments of vulnerability.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect_Leads_to_Adult_Depression\"><\/span>How Childhood Emotional Neglect Leads to Adult Depression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Depression in emotionally neglected adults is often quiet and internal rather than outwardly visible.<\/p><p>It may feel like:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Emotional numbness<\/li>\n\n<li>Lack of motivation<\/li>\n\n<li>Difficulty experiencing joy or fulfilment<\/li>\n\n<li>Deep loneliness even around loved ones<\/li>\n\n<li>A sense that \u201csomething is missing\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p>This is not laziness or ingratitude.<\/p><p>It is what happens when emotional needs go unmet for long periods of time. Eventually, the psyche protects itself by shutting feelings down altogether.<\/p><p>The child learns:<\/p><p>\u201cIf no one can meet my emotional needs, it\u2019s safer not to feel them.\u201d<\/p><p>That emotional shutdown can later look like depression not because the person is broken, but because they adapted to emotional absence.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Hidden_Impact_on_Self-Worth\"><\/span>The Hidden Impact on Self-Worth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Emotional neglect rarely leaves visible scars, but it often leaves quiet beliefs such as:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cMy feelings don\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cOther people deserve care more than I do.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cI shouldn\u2019t inconvenience anyone.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cNeeding support makes me weak.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p>Adults may become:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Caregivers rather than receivers<\/li>\n\n<li>Dependable but emotionally distant<\/li>\n\n<li>Highly capable yet deeply self-critical<\/li><\/ul><p>They may thrive professionally, yet struggle to feel truly seen in relationships.<\/p><p>Self-worth becomes tied to performance, productivity, and responsibility rather than the simple truth that one is worthy by existing.<\/p><p>In therapy settings across our country, this pattern is commonly seen in high-functioning adults who appear \u201cfine\u201d while quietly carrying anxiety or depression rooted in early emotional neglect.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Emotional_Neglect_Affects_Adult_Relationships\"><\/span>How Emotional Neglect Affects Adult Relationships<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Adults who grew up with emotional neglect often want closeness, yet find intimacy challenging because it feels unfamiliar.<\/p><p>Common experiences include:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Difficulty expressing needs or emotions<\/li>\n\n<li>Discomfort relying on others<\/li>\n\n<li>Guilt for needing reassurance<\/li>\n\n<li>Withdrawing during emotional conflict<\/li>\n\n<li>Appearing strong and independent while feeling alone inside<\/li><\/ul><p>Partners may misinterpret this as distance or disinterest, when in reality, the person never learned how to safely receive emotional support.<\/p><p>They didn\u2019t avoid connection.<\/p><p>They learned to survive without it.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Healing_From_Childhood_Emotional_Neglect\"><\/span>Healing From Childhood Emotional Neglect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Healing does not involve blaming parents or reliving the past. It begins with gently acknowledging one important truth:<\/p><p>You needed emotional presence and it wasn\u2019t available.<\/p><p>Naming this is not accusation.<\/p><p>It is clarity.<\/p><p>Therapeutic healing often focuses on:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Reconnecting with one\u2019s emotional world<\/li>\n\n<li>Learning to recognise and name feelings<\/li>\n\n<li>Developing self-compassion<\/li>\n\n<li>Rebuilding trust in relational safety<\/li>\n\n<li>Allowing vulnerability in safe spaces<\/li><\/ul><p>Sometimes healing starts quietly, with awareness:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cI carry things alone.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cI find it hard to ask for help.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cMy emotions were never nurtured, and that affected me.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p>These realizations are not blame.<\/p><p>They are permission.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relearning_Emotional_Connection\"><\/span>Relearning Emotional Connection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Recovery from emotional neglect is slow, intentional, and deeply human.<\/p><p>It may include:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Sitting with emotions instead of dismissing them<\/li>\n\n<li>Allowing others to support or comfort you<\/li>\n\n<li>Practicing gentleness rather than self-criticism<\/li>\n\n<li>Recognizing that needs do not equal weakness<\/li><\/ul><p>For many, therapy provides what was once missing a space where emotions are welcomed, witnessed, and held with care.<\/p><p>Over time, the nervous system learns:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cIt is safe to feel.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cIt is safe to be supported.\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li>\u201cMy emotions have value.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p>And with that, anxiety softens.<\/p><p>Depression begins to lift.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Therapy_Support_in_Kuala_Lumpur_Petaling_Jaya_Ipoh\"><\/span>Therapy Support in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya &amp; Ipoh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>If childhood emotional neglect resonates with you, therapy can help you understand how these early experiences shaped your anxiety, depression, or relationship patterns.<\/p><p>At Soul Mechanics Therapy, we support individuals and couples across Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and Ipoh, offering a safe and compassionate space to explore emotional neglect and begin rebuilding emotional connection at a pace that feels right for you.<\/p><p>Healing is not about fixing yourself.<br>It is about finally offering yourself the emotional presence you always deserved.<\/p><p><strong>Note: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised mental health care.<\/strong><\/p><p>If you enjoyed reading this, why not broaden your knowledge by learning about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/high-functioning-depression-signs-when-success-feels-empty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8220;High-Functioning Depression Signs: When Success Feels Empty&#8221;<\/a>? You can read the blog&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/high-functioning-depression-signs-when-success-feels-empty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p><p>For more content related to mental health, follow us on our official&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/soulmechanicstherapygram\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written By: Thiviyah Ravichandran, Clinical Psychologist (MAHPC(CP)00620), Many people grow up believing they had a \u201cnormal\u201d or \u201cfine\u201d childhood. There was no obvious abuse, no major chaos, no dramatic conflict. And yet, as adults, they quietly struggle with anxiety, emotional emptiness, or a deep sense of sadness they can\u2019t fully explain. They often appear high-functioning. [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":{"landsacpe":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Grief-1140x445.jpg",1140,445,true],"list":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Grief-463x348.jpg",463,348,true],"medium":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Grief-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"full":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Grief.jpg",1280,720,false]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Childhood Emotional Neglect Affects Adult Anxiety and Depression<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Childhood emotional neglect often goes unnoticed but can contribute to adult anxiety and depression. 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