By and large, our families are the people we spend the most time with. Ideally, they’re the ones we trust, confide in, and love unconditionally. However, there’s no such thing as a perfect family. Indeed, every family unit, whether traditional or not, faces obstacles. Whereas healthy families come together to solve problems together, others let them fester. Unfortunately, the latter is very common. In fact, Psychology Today reports that 50 percent of first and 67 percent of second marriages end in divorce. These dysfunctional families regularly deal with conflicts poorly, which hurts each member. In effect, dysfunctional families are eroded over time from this tension. Thus, knowing the signs of a dysfunctional family is key to knowing when to seek help together. When you notice the signs, seek out family counseling.
Warning Signs of a Dysfunctional Family
First, the biggest and worst sign of a dysfunctional family is abuse. Namely, someone is physically or verbally attacking at least one other family member. As a result, the home is in constant fear of upsetting the abuser. Second, another major dysfunction sign is unfair dominance. To explain, one or both guardians start controlling what everyone thinks and does. Here, family members often feel powerless and resent their lack of freedom. Third, families unable to communicate clearly face serious trouble. For example, your family might spend more time yelling and fighting than talking out your different views.
Further, distance is a sign of a dysfunctional family. Despite living together, families can feel emotionally far away from each other. Next, feelings of neglect and loneliness will divide.
Lasting Effects of Family Dysfunction
Certainly, having a dysfunctional family can harm children and adults. For instance, people stressed out at home might develop depression or an anxiety disorder. Often, they struggle more in school and in their careers. At the same time, negative family life can hinder other relationships. To clarify, individuals find it hard to connect with friends and lovers. Overly strict parenting can cause kids to rebel. In addition, a lack of discipline may make kids impulsive. In contrast, couples who feel emotionally neglected may seek out affairs.
Moreover, they can lose self-esteem and stop valuing their lives. Currently, there’s a strong correlation between family dysfunction and addiction, as well as suicide. Given that, addressing the signs of a dysfunctional family fast is critical.
Mend Your Family at Remedy Therapy
Have you noticed the above signs of a dysfunctional family? Then, Remedy Therapy wants to help repair your closest relationships. Markedly, our team led by Dr. Jon Goldblatt provides the counseling services Palm Beach Gardens needs. Plus, our psychology professionals have experience supporting families during crises. Therefore, our therapists will help your family respectfully discuss the issues you’re facing. Above all, we have the dedication to holistic care that builds family ties of trust and love. We also have supplemental services, such as:
- Adolescent counseling
- Premarital counseling
- Mental health counseling
- Anger management
- Support group counseling
- First responder counseling
- Medication management
Don’t let rifts tear your family apart forever. Instead, make amends during interactive family counseling sessions at Remedy Therapy. Notably, our Florida clinic closes the distance between family members for stronger bonds. Thus, call (855) 874-3390 whenever you’re worried by signs of a dysfunctional family.
