Family Dynamics

What does family dynamics mean?

All families are made up of parts, in other words each family member has their own role as a member of the family. Roles are typically made up of mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent, caregiver and so on.

Family Dysfunction

Issues can arise in your mental health when you begin suffering from mental health disorders such as anxiety, trauma or fear.

When these issues arise as a result of family problems or family dysfunction the issues can affect not only mental health also physical health too.

If you are reading this, you may recognise the mental health disorder you are experiencing being a result of your family dynamics. The likelihood is that resulted in issues such as anxiety, trauma, feeling sad or unhappy or fearful.

That being said, when you have that level of awareness, healing can come forth such as by seeking counselling.

There can be a sense of loneliness for the person who recognises the dysfunction within the family.  If you are this person and you are suffering anxiety or trauma as a result of the dysfunction in your family you are likely feeling discomfort and unhappiness within your environment.

Every member in the family has their own role(s) and participates in maintaining the dysfunction. Even if they are not actually aware that they are maintaining or participating in the issues.

This scenario could sound like ‘’everything is all my fault’’, ‘’you’re going to keep blaming me until the end’’.

What this illustrates is that families are systems with connected parts.

Reflect on the following questions and note your potential role:

1.   Is the family always trying to ‘solve’ or ‘fix’ something about you?

2.   Are you viewed as the ‘problem’? (sometimes this person is referred to as the ‘black sheep’ in families)

3.   Are you a ‘people pleaser’ trying to keep the peace in the house?

4.   Do you try and make light of the situation to detract from the problem?

5.   Do you tend to ‘stay out of the way’, or perhaps stay in your room because the anxiety that you feel keeps you fearful and or depressed to do anything?

You are invited to reflect upon your participation within your family dynamics to help understand the anxiety you may feel.       

                                                           KGFCounselling