A Canadian author, Lise Bourbeau, has worked extensively with emotional trauma and was able to classify different types of wounds. One of the traumas she described is abandonment trauma. It can be observed in the following patterns:

• Heightened anxiety for oneself and loved ones, often felt physically (e.g., tension in the chest or solar plexus), accompanied by persistent fear that something bad might happen (illness, danger, loss).
• A need to constantly monitor and analyze internal states, learning to recognize and acknowledge emotional reactions as they arise.
• In relationships, especially romantic ones, individuals may engage in extreme or self-sacrificing behaviors in order to gain attention, validation, or love.
• These patterns are often rooted in a deep fear of being alone. It is important to understand that the core unmet need is genuine self-love, and that developing it creates the foundation for healthier relationships.
• When faced with disagreement or rejection, there may be an immediate tendency to feel unloved or emotionally abandoned.
• There is often a persistent sense of inner loneliness, regardless of whether one is physically alone or surrounded by others.
• Insecurity 

Healing this pattern requires long-term inner work. At the beginning, it may involve simply asking for attention or support directly, while also understanding that another person’s inability to provide it does not equal rejection or lack of care.

How Visual Arts Can Help Process and Heal Abandonment Trauma

Engagement in visual arts (such as drawing, painting, or mandala coloring) can support emotional regulation and healing in several ways:

1. Emotional Expression Without Words

Art allows internal states—such as anxiety, fear, or loneliness—to be externalized visually, reducing internal pressure.

2. Sense of Control and Safety

Structured activities like mandala coloring create a predictable and safe environment, which can help calm the nervous system.

3. Mindfulness and Grounding

Repetitive artistic actions promote a focused, meditative state, reducing rumination and anxiety.

4. Rebuilding Self-Connection

Creative work fosters a non-judgmental relationship with oneself, which is essential for developing self-love.

5. Symbolic Processing

Colors, shapes, and patterns can represent emotions and experiences, allowing for indirect processing of difficult feelings.

Conclusion

Abandonment trauma manifests through anxiety, dependency, and fear of disconnection. While it requires consistent inner work, practices that develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation are essential.

Visual arts offer a powerful complementary tool, helping individuals process emotions, restore inner balance, and gradually build a stable sense of self-worth.