Teentalk

Dear Teentalker,

Thanks for sharing your concern.

It is not easy to cope with a dysfunctional family. Family dysfunction can drain your emotional and physical energy. To cope, learn to set boundaries and avoid subjects that cause disagreement. Limit your contact with family members that causes problems and learn to put yourself first. Always remember that your emotional needs and well-being should be valued. When coping with a dysfunctional family, always stand up for your own rights.

Here are a few things that you can help you deal with your dysfunctional family

• Accepting and regulating your emotions - It's very hard to deal with the emotional toll of a dysfunctional family alone. A qualified therapist can help you deal with the damage done by familial dysfunction. Seek out a therapist in your area to work out your issues. 

If you think you cannot afford to pay for the sessions, then try to connect with the organizations that are providing free counselling sessions. You can go through this link and check https://www.teentalkindia.com/call

• Allow yourself to feel angry - Many people feel they must forgive or let go of bad behavior. If your family has been unfair to you, it's okay to feel anger. It's actually healthy to allow yourself to experience anger when you've been disrespected or mistreated. Forgiveness can be the last step in recovery. However, it is rarely healthy to forgive first.

• Find productive ways to vent anger. Talk to close friends or go to support groups. You can also write a letter to family members and then burn it.

• Express your emotions more - Growing up in a dysfunctional family, you may have learned to repress or ignore your emotions. Try to take time to notice what you are feeling. Also, what caused the feeling? What are you responding to? You can try keeping a journal in which you record your daily feelings.

You can cope with your emotions by sharing them with others. Find people who are supportive. You should only share your emotions with people who respond with kindness and affirmation.

• Practice seeking out for help - Get to know people who are kind and positive. Building a "family" of quality friends is extremely important in maintaining self-esteem and helping someone cope with family dysfunction. Start by occasionally expressing small needs to those around you.

• Take good care of yourself - You may have a habit of neglecting your own self-care if you come from a dysfunctional home. Work on practicing basic self-care. This alone can help you better regulate your emotions.

You need to do things for yourself. Make sure you eat healthy meals, get exercise, and take care of basic hygiene.

Hope this helps, if you have any other query, do connect online for chat between 11am-7pm or drop us an offline message.

Regards,

Teentalk Expert