Hello Everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts, Emily and I welcomed our first child at the end of December and I was lucky enough to take some time off but we are back at it! While I was on leave I was seeing A LOT of content about people going no contact with parents or other family members and how many people believed this to be some trend. We wanted to chime in and put our thoughts out there. First off this is not a trend. Dynamics like this have been happening forever but like many things, social media is making this a little more well known and talked about. Also, another reason you might be seeing this more is the holidays tend to bring a lot of unwanted tension. With the holidays past us now, it can be common to see this pop up more as people are realizing how unhealthy their family dynamic might be and their want to change it. If this might be the case for you, hopefully this blog post helps a little.
We understand that navigating relationships, especially within the confines of family dynamics, can be challenging. While family is often considered a pillar of support, it's crucial to recognize that not all familial bonds are healthy or conducive to one's well-being. We would like to shed light on the importance of setting boundaries with family members, and in certain circumstances, acknowledging that it's okay to distance yourself for the sake of your mental and physical health.
The Myth of Unconditional Family Support:
Society often perpetuates the notion that family bonds should be unconditional and unwavering. However, the reality is that familial relationships can sometimes be sources of stress, toxicity, and even abuse. It's crucial to acknowledge that just because someone is family doesn't automatically mean they contribute positively to your life. If you want some eye opening statistics, Click HERE for some unsettling data from Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide. The one that really grabs our eye is 30-40% of child abuse comes from a family member.
Recognizing Toxic Family Dynamics:
Abuse within families can manifest in various forms, including emotional, verbal, physical, or even financial abuse. It's important to recognize these patterns and assess their impact on your mental health. Signs of toxic family dynamics may include constant criticism, manipulation, guilt-tripping, or other forms of controlling behavior.
The Importance of Setting Boundaries:
Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is an essential aspect of self-care. While it may be difficult, learning to say 'no' or setting limits on what you are willing to tolerate is crucial for your mental well-being. Communicate your boundaries clearly and assertively, emphasizing the need for mutual respect within the relationship. We have other blog posts dedicated to this so feel free to check those out!
Seeking Professional Support:
If you find it challenging to navigate these issues on your own, seeking the help of a mental health professional can be invaluable. Therapists can provide guidance, support, and coping strategies to help you manage the emotional challenges associated with setting boundaries or making difficult decisions about familial relationships.
It's Okay to Distance Yourself:
In some cases, setting boundaries may not be sufficient to create a healthy relationship with a family member. It's important to acknowledge that, in extreme circumstances, it may be necessary to distance yourself from certain family members for the sake of your mental and physical health. This decision is a personal one and should be made with careful consideration.
Resources for Support:
1. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
2. Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/
3. Psychology Today's Therapist Directory: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
As always, we believe in the power of self-care and prioritizing your mental health. It's crucial to remember that healthy relationships, even with family, require mutual respect and understanding. If you find yourself in a situation where setting boundaries is not enough, don't hesitate to seek professional help and consider taking steps to distance yourself for the sake of your well-being. Remember, you have the right to prioritize your mental and physical health.
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Disclaimer: This content is NOT meant to be a replacement for therapy. This is also not treatment advice or crisis services. The purpose of this content is to provide education and some corny fun. If you are interested in receiving therapy look up a therapist near you! If you are in the state of Ohio visit www.calibrationscc.com to schedule with one of our counselors today! We offer free video consultation calls so you can make sure we will be a good fit for you.