Relationships
It may be that your once happy home life is being torn apart by arguments, misunderstandings, stress, anger, disconnection and unmet needs.
Ideally, our families are those whom we can always rely on for support, from whom we draw strength and feedback, for whom we feel love and concern and with whom we feel close and comfortable. In reality few families meet this expectation 100% of the time and a whole range of family problems will challenge every family at some point.
Common family relationship problems include:
• Breakdown in communication
• Bullying/harassment/controlling behaviour
• Lack of trust/respect in a relationship
• Frequent arguing and disagreements
• Avoidance
• Physical conflict.
• Negative emotions – anger, sadness, anxiety.
• Difference in opinions, personalities, beliefs, values or goals.
• Change in family circumstances e.g. new baby, divorce/separation, blended families.
• Stress.
• Issues relating to sexuality.
• Using alcohol or drug use to cope or escape.
• Gambling problems.
• Exhaustion.
• Feeling isolated, alone or withdrawn.
• Lack of concentration.
• Difficulty eating or sleeping.
• Problems with friends, colleagues or your children.
Things you can do if you are having family/relationship problems.
Talk -
Be calm and honest about your concerns when discussing your problems with loved ones. Respect each other's differences.
Accept your differences - It can help avoid unnecessary conflict if you can recognise that people have different ideas, opinions and beliefs and you may not always be in agreement.
Have fun together - Even when things are tough, it's important to find the time to have fun with your loved ones.
Make a plan - It can help reduce stress and give common goals to work towards. For example if you are having financial problems it can help to create a budget.
Get help - you may not always be able to solve your problems yourself so you may need some external help
See your GP if you are concerned about mental health problems in yourself or others.
Talk to a Counsellor
Helpful Websites
Couple Connection - Advice and support for all types of relationship issues.
www.thecoupleconnection.net
Netmums- the UK's biggest parenting website offering local info, parenting advice and support.
www.netmums.com