Relationships
Relationships effect everyday life and sometimes managing difficult or painful relationships can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing. Disagreements are natural, particularly with those people closest to you. Every person has their own experiences that form opinions, perspectives, limitations and expectations. However, what makes everyone unique can sometimes set people apart if not managed well. This can be upsetting and damaging when it comes to significant relationships in your life.
Conflict or ongoing disputes can become a chronic stressor and may lead to withdrawal, isolation, loneliness, exclusion and poor health. Prolonged avoidance or suppression are unhealthy coping mechanisms, so it’s important to find strategies that positively manage interaction and communications that maintain or improve key relationships.
If Domestic Violence (DV) is present in your relationship this can be supported with understanding and risk assessment. This may include coercive control and all forms of abuse – physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, financial, legal, systems, cultural and tech facilitated.
Relationship stress may come from home, family members, friends or colleagues.
Relationship issues may include:
- Continual lack of emotional support or understanding
- Toxic communication styles of abuse or aggression
- Discrepancies in verbal and non-verbal communication
- Dishonesty
- Ghosting or prolonged ignoring
- Regular blame shifting, minimising and deflection
- Victimisation
- Excessive jealousy or underlying resentment
- Lack of accountability
- Triangulation
- Demanding behaviours or coercive control
- Inappropriate use of power
- Enmeshment (over involvement, lack of boundaries)
- Gaslighting and manipulation
- Inability to let go or move forward
- Constant feeling of unfulfillment and negatively during or after interaction
If you’re experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety caused by negative relationships, it’s important to address the situation and look after your health. Take the time to understand your unique circumstances, historical factors, family patterns and triggers which have led to conflict or breakdown of a significant relationship. Learn healthy coping strategies and/or resolution for your desired outcomes.
