What Do You Do If Your Family is the Root Cause of Your Stress?

Family can be a huge source of love and support, but when things get complicated, it can also become a major source of stress, and they’re known for not really giving much boundaries or allowing for “me time” either, right? It doesn’t really matter how old you are or even what stage of life you’re in, whether you’re a first-time parent or even someone who is a young adult dealing with the stressors of their own parents. In general, family can be difficult, no matter how much you love them.

Maybe it's something like constant tension, unmet expectations, or feeling overwhelmed, family dynamics can be tough to navigate. So, when your family is the source of your stress, what should you do? Well, in all honesty, it can all be really tough. So, with all of that said, here are some tips to manage it and protect your mental health.

You Have to Set Clear Boundaries

Okay, this is generic advice, and there might be a chance you’ve already tried this before. Sometimes, family members believe they’re exempt from boundaries only due to their relationship with you. It’s not fair, but that’s just how it is, and it’s not your fault. But regardless, it’s best to set them if you can.

For the most part, boundaries are key to managing family stress. They’re not about shutting people out but rather protecting personal time and emotional well-being. It might mean saying no to requests or limiting how much time is spent with certain family members. While it can feel uncomfortable at first, communicating boundaries clearly and calmly is essential for keeping stress levels in check. So, if you’re able to, just try to set up boundaries and be strict with it.

Prioritize Self-Care

When family stress builds up, self-care can be a lifesaver. It's easy to get caught up in the needs of others and forget to take care of yourself, but creating space for self-care. It can be something like exercise, relaxation, or hobbies—can do wonders for balancing stress. Now, it’s far easier said than done, but you owe it to yourself to feel grounded, and remind yourself of how important you are.

Seek Support Outside the Family

Sometimes, the best relief comes from stepping outside the family bubble. Again, all families are different, and unfortunately, it’s not always going to be easy to state your feelings. So, ideally, it’s best to look into talking to friends and co-workers or even joining a support group, which can provide much-needed validation and emotional support. Ideally, a fresh perspective and a challenge on family dynamics can help out a lot.

But it might even help to look into family therapy, especially if the family dynamics are way off. Your therapists can facilitate tough conversations, improve communication, and help repair relationships. It’s a way to work through the issues in a safe, neutral space. 

Now, it doesn’t always work, but it’s not the therapist's fault. Unfortunately, there are just some people who won’t change, who won’t listen, and who’ll just be who they are. That means you may need to cut them out if they won’t work with you.

Limit Exposure to Toxic Behaviors

If certain family members bring negativity, criticism, or manipulation into the mix, it’s okay to limit the time spent with them. This doesn’t mean cutting ties completely (unless it’s absolutely necessary), but stepping back from toxic interactions can reduce emotional strain. You’re not a bad person for doing this, either. You owe it to yourself to be around positive people, and even if you’re related by blood to the negative ones, you don’t need them in your life.