Emotional invalidation is the process of dismissing, belittling, or negating someone’s feelings. It can be intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the intent, it can have profound effects on the individual on the receiving end.
When someone expresses their feelings or emotions, they are sharing a vulnerable part of themselves. They are seeking understanding, empathy, and validation. Emotional invalidation, however, is the opposite of this. It’s like telling someone that their feelings are wrong, unimportant, or that they shouldn’t feel the way they do. This can be done through comments like “You’re overreacting,” “It’s not a big deal,” or “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
The reason emotional invalidation is harmful is multifaceted: