8 Tips to Overcome Feelings of Abandonment and Rejection from Having An Absent Father

Growing up without the presence of a father can leave an indelible mark on one’s heart and psyche.

Photo by Slav Romanov on Unsplash

Growing up without the presence of a father can leave an indelible mark on one’s heart and psyche. The feelings of abandonment and rejection that often accompany this experience can be overwhelming and isolating. However, it is essential to recognise that these emotions don’t define who you are.

Here are some tips on how to start working through the feelings of abandonment and rejection:

Validate your experience

The first step in healing is acknowledging the pain and emotions that come with having an absent father. It is not uncommon to feel a sense of loss, anger, sadness, or even guilt. Denying or suppressing these feelings can lead to emotional baggage that affects your relationships and mental health.

It is important to give yourself permission to grieve the absence of your father. Understand that it is okay to feel hurt, and it is okay to acknowledge the void that his absence may have created in your life. This acknowledgment is not about dwelling in the pain, but rather giving yourself the freedom to understand your…