When talking about dysfunctional families, you might know that it is important to establish appropriate boundaries. There can be many examples of unhealthy skills of coping, communication lapse, abuses, and inability to form a healthy environment.
If you are living in a dysfunctional family, it can get really hard at times.
According to Yitzhak D Stern, here are some ways that can help you in coping with a dysfunctional family.
1. Understand That You Are Not Alone – Yitzhak D Stern
In a dysfunctional family, it is easy to feel lost and alone. However, Yitzhak D Stern suggests that you stay strong and do not feel alone. There are many dysfunctional families, and many people are in the same boat as you!
2. Opt For Self-Care
Even if no one is taking care of you, you should take care of yourself. Do not let yourself indulge in self-pity! While it can be emotionally draining to be in such a situation, Yitzhak D Stern suggests taking care of your mental, emotional and physical health in check.
If your immediate family is draining you out, you need to work harder to keep yourself in better shape.
3. Do Not Have Too Many Expectations From Your Family –
While it is a dream for many people to sit around with their family and enjoy some meals, talk with each other and enjoy the most. However, this all cannot come true very easily! You need to settle your expectations from your family and make sure that they are not too high.
Too many expectations can lead to problems – both for you and them! Minimize your expectations and learn to set boundaries for yourself.
4. Go for Therapy –
Therapies can work magically for some people. So, if you observe this behavior, you can talk to your family about it and seek therapy. When you need it, you should definitely go for therapy.
5. Learn To Distance Yourself From Toxicity
If you see that your family is not treating you well, is unsettling your self-respect, being rude to you, degrading you, and making you feel bad about yourself – it is time that you distance yourself from all that negativity from your life.
You can just go for a casual hey, and just ask about their lives after some intervals.
6. You Can Feel Hurt –
According to Yitzhak D Stern, it is absolutely fine to feel upset, hurt, or rejected when your family is dysfunctional. You do not have to bottle up these feelings – you can release them instead.
You can write out a letter and express it – even if you do not send it out!
7. Learn To Be Honest –
You need to understand that your feelings are valid and you can be respectful yet honest. Do not hide behind a curtain of lies, instead, you can explore all the truth and discuss it in a nice way.
Final Thoughts
According to Yitzhak D Stern, many people have a dysfunctional family. The way you deal with it can really reflect on many things. Hence, do not be scared and trust yourself to do your best!