More and more, I find that people have lost compassion for one another. Your thoughts are disregarded and you feel that what matters to you is ignored, and it’s not even so much from strangers, but rather from those that you know well. I know that it’s happening to me more than it should be and it’s an intentional act that doesn’t need to be tolerated. Being ignored hurts. It triggers the same part of the brain that registers physical pain. Truth is, from your perspective, you perceive that you’re being ignored and excluded, and it has its effects on you, whether or not it was intended to be that way or not. That sensation of being invisible feels bad because it takes away some human and psychological needs within you.

Whether it be a friend, a parent, or anyone that you have conversations with, intentionally disregarding another person can have different effects on people. When someone ignores us, naturally we feel hurt, confused, and even frustrated. It feels like an intentional dismissal of our presence and feelings, and it takes just a few minutes to feel the pain of being ignored. There are times when people may choose to ignore to assert a power dynamic, to avoid confrontation, or the only way they know how to deal with personal issues, and while confronting them may seem like the best course of action, it’s not always the case.

Going through times of being ignored requires patience and being open-minded. It isn’t easy to feel ignored because it can cause emotional distress for both people who are involved. You feel sadness, rejection, and worthlessness for the person being ignored. For the person who’s ignoring, they may feel guilt or shame for their actions. Either way, communication breaks down and a barrier is created between them. That breakdown in communication stops any chance of resolving conflicts and addressing important issues, but it also strains the relationship. When we ignore someone, anyone at all, it causes a strain on the relationship to a breaking point. This is because the communication breakdown causes resentment and hostility between them. Easily it can cause feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. This is where a negative cycle of thoughts starts, and those unresolved emotions and concerns soon worsen.

The more that we ignore others, the harder it becomes to mend that relationship. Instead, it increases conflict and even questions about your worth and your sense of self. Being ignored is one of the worst feelings to have to go through, and it can cause a lot of self-doubt about ourselves. Ignoring a person can cause serious damage. Trust is brittle and once it starts to get lost, the damage can be hard to reverse. Something to think about before you decide to ignore someone. Without trust, there’s no relationship. There’s no need to ignore one another, rather having open communication and acknowledging the other person’s feelings can go a long way. You don’t have to agree with the other person’s thoughts, but it is important to consider what those feelings mean to the other person. I always feel that if a person has enough courage to bring it up, then it’s important enough to pay attention and find some sort of middle ground where everyone feels valued.

When you feel ignored, take time, no matter how frustrating it may feel, to reflect on it. Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to reflect on the situation. Consider possible reasons for why you might be feeling ignored. Understanding the underlying factors can help you. Also, seek support from others. It’s important to not keep your emotions inside, especially during a time when there’s confusion and frustration. Reach out to people that you can trust, who you know will support and provide you with guidance. These are the ones who have your best interest at heart. Sometimes just discussing your feelings with others can offer a fresh perspective and can give you insight into the reason why you may be ignored.

As hard as it is to feel ignored, remember that you matter most, and keeping a focus on self-care, can help us from spiraling into negative thinking and negative self-talk. Instead of dwelling on the reason for being ignored, focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember that dealing with being ignored is not easy for anyone, but by approaching it with you in mind will help get you through it. More importantly, what I find is going through challenging times with grace and strength is what is meant to be, so that we can come out of it ahead. Every situation where we’re being ignored happens for different reasons. It’s important to understand why it’s happening, but it’s also okay to be patient with yourself. When we hurt, it takes time to heal. With time and a conscious effort, that pain and hurt do get better, and you soon can feel like yourself again. Stay strong, and remember, that your worth isn’t defined by any one person’s opinion or actions about you.