family dynamics and mental health

All relationships have an impact on the participants in that relationship. Participants in a relationship usually feel aligned and anchored in shared values and beliefs. Relationships are often strengthened by shared values and the desire to demonstrate loyalty to those values. When the participants experience a disagreement or a breech in the relationship, they may attempt to problem-solve and work out differences. However, if no resolution is found, participants in the relationship can walk away and go separate ways. What to do when the disagreement is with family members? When walking away is not an option, how are family challenges handled interpersonally?

How do family dynamics affect mental health? Being part of a family comes with assumptions and rules that are either spoken or unspoken. Ideals that are unspoken are still usually implied and often an intrinsic part of how the family unit functions. Attempting to maintain family norms that are not authentic for an individual family member leads to cognitive dissonance…and other symptoms, such as depression, isolation, frustration, anger and anxiety. 

A healthy practice is to maintain commitment to personal growth. Taking full responsibility for one’s happiness, growth, and healing is very important to individuate from toxic family cycles. We can love our families and set strong boundaries at the same time. We can align with the cultural and familial practices that are a rich part of the heritage and simultaneously release what no longer serves us.