Sarah Biren

Sarah Biren

July 9, 2024

12 Things You May Do as an Adult If You Experienced Emotional Abuse as a Child

Fear of conflict

Stressed woman crying feeling depressed offended by controlling husband tyrant blaming wife of problems in unhappy marriage, sad girl in tears worried about family fight and relationships problems
Source: Shutterstock

“[I] can’t stand conflict, loud sudden noises, shouting and screaming or aggression in any form. [It] triggers my fight or flight, instantly.”

Growing up in a home rife with conflict can leave a child feeling chronically unsafe. This fear can continue into adulthood, making a person feel uneasy as if the other shoe is always on the verge of dropping. They may struggle to feel truly safe and a sign of conflict, such as a loud noise or shouting, can cause anxiety disproportionate to the situation.