A psychological perspective on the challenges of living with one’s family and importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and self care practices

#TODAY #interview #familyconflict #healthyboundaries #selfcare

I am glad to be able to contribute my psychological inputs to the TODAY online’s column Gen Zen.

The topic is on “Gen Zen: Living with family can raise tensions and strain relations. When should one consider moving out?”.

this picture shows a dog in a box. It signifies how one may feel out of place in one's home sometimes and article discusses when one should consider moving out of family homes?

While I was pondering and researching for this column, I realised that this topic is truly in the heart of what most, if not all, of my clients have concerns for — navigating and managing relational conflicts and dynamics. This is because no one is an island and as long as we live with someone else (partner, room-mate, family members), we are bound to face these challenges from time to time — the only differences are the extent to which one faces them and of course, the differential impact on individuals.

Occasional conflicts and disagreements can be part and parcel of living with others. However, when the conflicts start to take the form of negative interactional cycle (characterised by aggression, criticisms, disengagement and violence) and take a toll on one’s mental health, it may be time to consider what one can do about the situation.

Navigating these conflicts and managing them in midst of all other responsibilities in life can be challenging. The information in this column can hopefully lend a perspective to those experiencing this. However, if further support on managing family conflicts and personal boundaries are required, do seek out help from mental health professionals.

Full article can be accessed through this link:

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/gen-zen-living-family-can-raise-tensions-and-strain-relations-when-should-one-consider-moving-out-2407196

Rooting for you,

Jeanice