1. Poor self-regulation.
Poor self-regulation is a symptom of an individual not being able to control their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a way that leads to healthy outcomes. This can manifest in many ways, including difficulty controlling anger or intense emotions, impulsivity, difficulty engaging in tasks that require sustained attention, and challenges with problem-solving and goal setting.
2. Lack of trust in others.
This lack of trust can manifest in difficulty trusting other people, even those who are close to them. This can make it challenging for the individual to get close to others and form meaningful relationships. Additionally, this mistrust may lead the individual to engage in behaviors that further ostracize them from social groups or prevent them from seeking help when needed.
3. Difficulty forming relationships.
People with disorganized attachments often struggle with forming healthy relationships due to their distrusting nature, emotional detachment, and avoidance strategies. As a result, they may find it difficult to sustain friendships or romantic partnerships, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
4. Increased anxiety and fearfulness.
Individuals with disorganized attachments tend to be fearful in situations that most people would not find problematic. This can lead to frequent panic attacks, avoidance of certain activities or places, and difficulty engaging in social activities.
5. Emotional detachment from caregivers or loved ones.
Due to their difficulties forming relationships, people with disorganized attachment often struggle with feeling close to others, even those who care about them the most. This can lead to feeling disconnected from family members and partners, which can further isolate the individual and worsen mental health symptoms.
6. Reduced empathy and emotion regulation skills.
Individuals with disorganized attachment usually have difficulty recognizing, understanding, and regulating their own emotions as well as those of others. This can lead to lack of understanding of other’s feelings, difficulty responding appropriately in emotionally charged situations, or an inability to take responsibility for one's actions.
7. Dissociation experiences (i.e., daydreaming, disconnection).
People with disorganized attachments may find it difficult to stay focused on tasks due to their tendency to dissociate, meaning they enter a kind of trance-like state where they are disconnected from the world around them. This can make it challenging for them to finish tasks or concentrate on conversations with others.
8. Avoidance strategies (i.e., withdrawing from situations).
Individuals with disorganized attachments may not be comfortable in social settings or with people they do not know. As a result, they may resort to avoidance strategies for coping such as withdrawing from the situation, refusing to engage in conversation, or avoiding eye contact. This can make it difficult for them to form meaningful relationships and often makes their mental health symptoms worse.
9. Intrusive thoughts & rumination over past events.
People with disorganized attachment have difficulty controlling their thoughts and can become caught up in ruminating over past experiences or engaging in other intrusive thought patterns. These thoughts can lead to negative emotions and further exacerbate any underlying mental health issues that the individual may already be struggling with.
10. Low self-esteem & sense of worthlessness.
Due to their difficulties forming relationships and engaging in social situations, individuals with disorganized attachments often feel insecure and may have low self-esteem. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness or negative self-perception that can further worsen any underlying mental health issues.