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Family Dysfunction

How to avoid getting emotionally bulldozed by your family

If you are feeling emotionally bulldozed by your family, you'll need to expand your life. Your family is causing you too much stress, and in order to continue functioning, you'll need to find ways to reduce this stress. It's highly unlikely that the emotional problems your family is causing will be dramatically reduced, so you need to look for ways to improve your life through spending time with friends or making new ones, job satisfaction, exercise, hobbies, going to a therapist or psychologist and basically doing things that make you happy without becoming self-destructive.

It's true, letting out that pent up stress does help a bit. But chances are, you've spoken to your family members numerous times about how much stress they are causing you. Sometimes, the stress comes from being a mother or from having an abundance of responsibilities. Other times, your family may be plagued with mental illness, or you are just very different people and you do not see eye to eye. The majority of people experience this at one point in life or another. If your family has emotionally drained you, and you don't want this to continue, move along.

Instead of staying in the vicious circle of anger and hurt, try to branch out. You don't have to constantly suffer. It's ok to feel negative emotions, but since your family is not of much help, you'll need to improve your life on your own. Spend some time with your close friends, and vent out your frustrations. A good friend will understand. If you don't have many friends or they are all far away, try looking for an interest group such as a book club, or a dance class, where you can meet new people and have an outlet for your emotional burden.

Do you dread going home, but enjoy your job? Maybe you can escape a bit by putting in a few extra hours. Or look for some freelancing jobs online. You can even take up a part-time job in your area. Making a little more money might give you some satisfaction. If you are really unhappy at your job, and know this is contributing to your overall stress level, consider searching for a new job. This will give you something else to do and keep your mind off your family situation.

Another great way to avoid being emotionally bulldozed by your family is to exercise more or take up a hobby! Exercising is proven to help alleviate stress and depression, so take a nice long walk, or go to the gym and burn some calories! If you have a hobby such as knitting or watching movies, indulge. Pay more attention to the things you enjoy doing, so your family responsibilities feel less severe.

Lastly, if you feel emotionally bulldozed going to a therapist or psychologist may prove extremely helpful. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to who can provide a professional outside perspective and give you feedback as to how to improve your family situation and your life. It also may be possible that you are experiencing depression, and should consider trying medication or relaxation techniques. Ultimately, feeling emotionally bulldozed isn't great for your health or emotional well-being. Do not hesitate to seek help.

In essence, you are not a bad person because you're family is emotionally bulldozing you. Just the opposite, you are probably a great person who sacrifices a lot for your family. But what you need to realize is, there won't be much left of you if you continue going at this pace. Avoid letting your family get the best of you by focusing on yourself a bit. Allow yourself to enjoy life regardless of your family situation, and you'll find yourself feeling much better.

Learn more about this author, H.G. Hess.
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