CHILD EMOTIONAL ABUSE

7. Negative Emotions
Notes:

 

Negative emotions can be concerning if they are persistent or recurrent, and include 

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fears
  • Shame
  • Guilt

­

Information:

­

Children who are emotionally abused or exposed to domestic violence might exhibit signs of depression – being lethargic, disinterested, distant and just plain sad.

They might also display various levels of anxiety ranging from mild worry about spilt drinks or new activities, to high levels including panic attacks - where they exhibit fear that can be unusual or irrational.

One child I met used to say he always had a feeling that he was about to die – he was 5 years old – and when this feeling “got” him he would get scared and angry and become unmanageable for Carers.

Anxiety and fears can be displayed in many ways. Children might panic when left alone or when faced with new activities, or they may feel shame about who they are and guilt because they are made to feel responsible for their parent’s disappointment with them, or their parents’ fighting.

These feelings might be expressed as difficult or aggressive behaviour.

Remember that these children are not used to knowing how to ask for what they need, or receiving a response when they do ask.