The Session: Causes of Family Stress

The Session:  Causes of Family Stress, from Better HelpHow good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)Parental relationship problemsConstant parent fighting causes unnecessary and unproductive tension in children’s livesFinancesJob loss, inability to work, uncontrolled spending, gambling problems, or another reason, stress and conflict related to money and bills is common.Health Conditions When one or more family members is experiencing a health challenge—from a chronic physical condition to a mental illness to a disabilityToxic behaviors between family membersSometimes, stress or dysfunction in a family can be traced primarily to the toxic behaviors of one member. For example, someone who frequently engages in manipulation tactics, dishonesty, scapegoating, or similar behaviors can be extremely difficult or even dangerous to live with. These can be personality traits or signs of certain personality disorders.Unaddressed trauma related to family issuesIn most cases, trauma that has not been effectively and healthily recognized, processed, and healed will cause issues in a person’s life in some way. A family unit that experiences trauma together—such as war, a natural disaster, or the sudden death of a loved one.Unhealthy expectationsFamily members who feel pressure to conform to unhealthy and/or impossible standards may experience negative effects as a result. For example, a household where each child is expected to perform perfectly in school, never express negative emotions, or never bring up conflict can eventually cause them to disengage or lash out.Too much or too little time togetherOn the other hand, families that are so busy or live so far apart that they rarely get to spend quality time together could also end up experiencing conflict.Poor or nonexistent communicationHealthy, honest, frequent communication is widely considered to be the foundation of healthy relationships of all types. Families without it are likely to experience recurrent conflict as issues that arise may not be properly addressed and members may not feel heard.To reach Tom Russell, please call 419-709-8447, email Tom at [email protected], or visit his website at https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com