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How can neglect affect your mental health?

  • briannajohnson1512
  • Aug 18, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 5, 2022


Neglect occurs when an individual who relies on another person for care does not receive the help or attention they need in order to maintain their health and well-being. While abuse may manifest as an intentional withholding of care, neglection most often occurs due to an oversight or a caregiver’s inability to properly care for the person in their charge.

Because the negligent caretaker most likely won’t recognize the neglect is taking place, it is important for others to be able to identify risk factors for neglect and to be able to recognize signs and symptoms of neglect in high-risk groups.

These problems may include the following:

1. Impaired brain development: Portions of the brain may not develop properly, resulting in mental health issues, cognitive and academic problems, and speech and language issues.

2.Poor physical health: Studies indicate that neglected children may be at risk for diabetes, adolescent obesity, or poor lung function.

3.Poor emotional or mental health: Neglect puts children at risk for trauma-related mental health issues, including posttraumatic stress, borderline personality, depression, and anxiety. Research shows there is a greater likelihood for suicidal ideation and depressive episodes among those who have experienced abuse and neglect.

4.Poor attachment and social skills: Some infants and toddlers who experience the loss of their primary caregiver at a young age have trouble forming attachments later in life.

5.Behavioral issues: Children who experience neglect may have poor boundaries and present with indiscriminate friendliness.

Addiction: Studies show that children who experience abuse or neglect can have an increased likelihood to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Adult and elderly victims of neglect can face negative effects as well. Ranging from mild to severe, these effects could impact the following aspects of a person’s life:

1.Physical: Elder neglect can result in problems like unchecked or untreated injuries, bed sores, malnourishment, and aggravation of preexisting health problems.

2.Psychological: Elderly individuals who are neglected may experience mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress.

3.Social: Elderly individuals may face isolation, loss of social supports, and loss of healthy social outlets.

4.Financial: Lack of financial management can result in loss of vital utilities like heat or electricity, resources, or a place to live.

Be prepared for the unpredictable and focus on what you can control to take back power and predictability in moments of stressful triggers. By narrowing this focus and energy, you can put yourself in a better mindset for success.

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