Believe it or not there are so many consequences that come with living in a dysfunctional home. These occurrences don't occur suddenly or instantly, and some of you might not even realize you're part of such a family. Read on to know about some signs of a dysfunctional family.
Raise a finger if you feel family should be your solace in times of distress and uncontrolled sadness, especially in times like this; where nobody's certain about their purpose in this chaotic world.
A dysfunctional family most of the times, is filled with neglect, secrecy, addiction or denial, simply as a result of parents who are emotionally unavailable or caught up with workaholism, shopaholism, gambling, infidelity, and what not?.
Within such families, individuals tend to conceal their vulnerabilities because they are seen as being weak. They try to minimize intimate interactions to avoid emotional distress, mental breakdowns or as some Nigerians will say "see finish". There's a lot that comes with "see finish". It includes; people taking your opinions for granted and treating your emotional desires as a joke.
A growing child in this type of family will suffer low self-esteem, no healthy life coping skills, and insecurities. (Oh! By the way you can now put down your finger.)
Here are some key signs of a dysfunctional home;
Intimidation to Maintain Power: In dysfunctional families, some members are favored over others, and these favored individuals may resort to intimidation and instilling fear to maintain their positions within the family hierarchy.
Victims of abusive behavior are unjustly held responsible for the actions of other family members: They are unfairly made responsible for another family member's anger, aggression, addiction, or poor choices. Additionally, they might be pressured to fulfill unrealistic expectations or cater to unhealthy needs of certain family members.
Lack of Proper Communication: Verbal messages may be inconsistent or unclear, leading to increased feelings of shame, doubt, and hopelessness. It is difficult to converse and achieve a mutual understanding in a dysfunctional home.
Emotions are not Valued: Emotions like sadness, regret, disappointment, embarrassment, or fear are neither appreciated nor openly addressed.
Weak Boundaries: Some family members are strict and hesitant to adapt to changes that sometimes are inevitable to happen, over time, that occurs in the family. Some may intrude in their children's lives, leaving little space for them to learn from mistakes or develop their own perspectives. Others may lack any boundaries altogether, failing to establish healthy rules or provide guidance. Lastly, some family members are unpredictable, leaving others feeling uncertain and anxious about making mistakes at any given moment.
How to Maintain Mental Health in a Dysfunctional Home
Staying healthy in a dysfunctional family can be challenging, but there are strategies you can employ to prioritize your well-being:
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your emotional and physical space. Communicate these boundaries calmly but firmly to family members.
Seek Support: Find a trusted friend, therapist, or support group where you can express yourself freely and receive guidance. Having someone to talk to can provide perspective and validation.
Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself to engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-care. This could include exercise, meditation, or simply spending time alone to recharge.
Focus on What You Can Control: Recognize that you cannot change others, but you can control your own reactions and choices. Redirect your energy towards things you can influence, such as your own behavior and mindset.
Develop Coping Strategies: Identify healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress and difficult emotions. This might involve journaling, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or seeking professional counseling.
Set Realistic Expectations: Accept that your family dynamics may not change overnight. Adjust your expectations and focus on small, achievable goals for improving communication or boundaries.
Educate Yourself: Learn about dysfunctional family dynamics and how they can impact on individuals. Understanding the root causes of a dysfunctional home, can help you navigate your experiences more effectively.
Believe in Your Worth: Remind yourself that you deserve love, respect, and happiness, regardless of your family circumstances. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself of your strengths and resilience.
Well, it's time to wipe those hidden tears. Remember that what happens in a dysfunctional home might not change, but how you strategically save your mental health during these times matters a lot.
Share your experiences with us and other readers so that we can all tackle this issue together. Don't hold back! A problem shared is a problem half solved. Feel free to leave a comment below.
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Interesting article 😇