Dealing With Family Issues

Constant money worries leave you frustrated. Unsupportive parents make you depressed. Arguing or distrustful spouse irritates you. Angry outbursts occur when children don't listen to you and do their own things.Do any of these happen to you too? Families are meant to be the source of love and support that stands strong with an individual throughout life. We openly share our opinions with family members and also draw our strength by relying on their encouragement. However, for many people this ideal family dynamics goes for a toss or does not happen in first place itself. Conflicts in one's family life lead to unhealthy emotional disturbances that impacts both mental and physical health. If not paid attention, these small troubles may soon become a major health disorder.

Sources of family issues

Here are some sources of family issues that turn on negative reactions and emotions among people.

1. Chronic illness
2. Domestic violence
3. Smoking, Alcohol or Drug abuse
4. Divorce
5. Marriage problems like infidelity, resentments and intolerance of differences
6. Inability to manage or resolve conflicts
7. Over-dependency
8. Financial challenges
9. Sexual abuse
10. Children problems
11. Chronic crises or unexpected upheavals
12. Excessive work stress
13. Resentments with family members

How to resolve family issues?

Ignoring the presence of stress, disconnect and misunderstanding in your family life will only worsen the situation. You will have to work towards resolving the family issues and strengthening the family ties. Communication is the key to resolve family issues.

1. Acknowledge that there is a family issue that demands consideration.
2. Take out some time every day to talk to the family members about the issue - what's causing the concern and how best all of you can change the situation.
3. Listen to the views of every person. Be open to change.
4. Develop coping skills. One of the best ways is to meditate and relax your mind as well as avoid negative thoughts. Focus on the positives in a person and a situation.
5. Seek external help.

There are times when we can't handle a tough situation single-handedly we need expert advice to tackle it. There are psychotherapist including marriage and family therapists who offer treatment plans like counselling, coping skills, and exercises to help individual or groups collaborate to address family problems. If there are family issues interfering with your mental peace, you may need to change your communication style so that you understand each other better and address family problems. You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. -         Desmond Tutu