Month: June 2015

Long-term Study Shows Why Bullying is a Public Health Problem

Bullying

Teens who were bullied at age 13 were more likely to be depressed as adults, according to a new study. The findings suggest that curbing bullying in schools will improve public health years later. Above, high school students write notes acknowledging their own bullying behavior. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

By Karen Kaplan, June 3, 2015

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-bullying-teens-depression-adults-20150602-story.html

About Dysfunctional Families

Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Family

Generalizations

Dysfunction defined:

Physical/emotional abuse

Chronic physical illness

Alcoholism/substance abuse

Sexual Abuse

Inconsistent and unpredictable parenting

Chronic marital conflict

Typical Dysfunctional Parenting:

Denial

Avoidance

Rationalization

Projection of blame

Over-Control

Negativity

Ridicule/shaming

Anger and hostility

Role reversals

Chronic crises/unpredictable

Lack of positive reinforcement

Conditionality/non-Empathic

Dysfunctional Rules:

Don’t talk

Don’t trust

Don’t feel

Results of Dysfunction:

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Low self-esteem

Substance abuse

Fears of rejection

Self-defeating patterns

Negative relationships

Self-critical

Controlling

Difficulties with intimacy

Affectively blunted

Over-responsible

Perfectionistic

“All or Nothing” thinking

Hypervigilant

Not “Good Enough” or unlovable

Difficulties with spontaneity or fun

Positive Traits:

Heightening Sensitivity

Empathic

Inner Strength

Problem Solvers

Take less for Granted

Commitment to having a healthy family with compassion and caring

Overcoming Dysfunction:

Awareness of dysfunction

Support from healthy people

Open mindedness to change

Increasing flexibility

Positive Self-Talk

Recognition of feelings

Communication of feelings

Recognition of needs

Delegate responsibilities

Creating safety

Finding mentors

Work in therapy

Self-Worth & Good Enough

Parenting oneself