When you grow up in a dysfunctional home, there can be lots of chaotic and intense energy. This can lead you to become accustomed to this type of environment and people.

As a Gen X , I relate to the lack of care and attention that was emblematic of my generation. But, I’m not lying to myself that it made me a better person.

Being strong is another symptom of growing up in a dysfunctional home. When emotions or mistakes are viewed as weaknesses, you man (or woman) up to survive.

The fear that prevents you from asking for what you want is the chance you might experience rejection. You avoid asking which ensures you never get what you want.

You may have been punished for your wants and needs, or for having emotions. Enter an addiction to give you a release valve from all this self-oppression.

If you grew up without praise or encouragement, you will feel overly sensitive to criticism. You equate criticism with rejection that feels life-threatening.

Bréne Brown says guilt tells you when you’ve done something wrong. However, for those raised with abuse and neglect, guilt can be a conditioned response.

Fear of getting in trouble is a symptom of childhood trauma. Whenever the phone rings or someone wants to talk, you assume it’s because you’ve done something wrong.

Everyone has a need for certainty. For the childhood trauma survivor it feels like life or death because it developed as a response to feeling abandoned.

If you grew up with abuse or neglect, you are a prime candidate for social anxiety. If your parents rejected you, it is hard to believe others will accept you.