India, March 19 -- Childhood is a deeply formative phase, shaping how we understand relationships, develop behavioural patterns, and respond to the world around us. It is during these early years that we learn what feels safe, how to connect with others, and how to make sense of emotional experiences. However, when a child grows up in a toxic or unsafe environment, they may be forced to adopt coping mechanisms simply to navigate daily life. While these responses may help them feel secure in the moment, they can linger long after childhood - quietly influencing behaviour, emotional responses, and relationships in adulthood.

Jeff Guenther, a Portland-based licensed therapist with 21 years of experience and a mental health content creator k...