Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Studio 1847
Howard Meyer’s life has been shaped by challenges. At just 13 months old, he sat in the back seat of his parents’ car, unaware that this drive would lead to his father’s first of many stays in a mental institution. Soon after, his father was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, a severe mental illness that often brought unpredictability, confusion and violence into their home. As a teenager, Meyer was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a condition he had been quietly struggling with for years. His story is one of resilience, showing how healing and a fulfilling life are possible with support and professional help.
For many children, home is not always a safe place, and the same was the case for Meyer. Exposure to his father’s violence left deep scars. These experiences can lead to serious mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, complex PTSD or developmental trauma, and can even increase the risk of physical health problems later in life. Studies show that children exposed to abuse or high-conflict environments often develop a fear of abandonment and rejection, which can lead to complex trauma or borderline personality disorder. Even arguments, negative talk about the other parent or exposure to adult problems like finances or infidelity can create lasting emotional wounds.
A National Institute on Health study showed that children as young as 6 months old can sense and react to their parents’ conflicts. As they grow, kids from high-conflict homes can struggle with problem-solving, building healthy relationships and managing social anxiety, which can follow them into adulthood and affect their ability to form satisfying relationships. Some even develop negative views on family, marriage and relationships, shaped by the hostility they witnessed growing up.
In Meyer’s case, healing is possible, and creating a safe, stable environment is the first step. “Children need predictability and security to feel calm,” he says. “Encouraging open communication helps them express their feelings without fear. Therapy can be a powerful tool for both children and parents, offering ways to process trauma and manage conflict better. Teaching kids how to understand and handle their emotions builds resilience. Modeling healthy relationships and surrounding children with caring adults, like teachers or extended family, can also provide stability and support.”
Meyer’s memoir, “Raising The Ground, Lowering The Sky,” reminds readers that even in the face of immense challenges, healing is possible. With his new book, Meyer aims to address trauma early and help readers find the right tools and support because he believes every child deserves a chance to thrive.
Meyer’s memoir is available now for purchase on Amazon.
— Provided by Ascend Agency
