All families are not created equal. They come in all shapes and sizes, as well as varying levels of functionality, each different from the last. Regardless of how unique they are constructed; most families encounter difficulties and face challenges. Recent statistics show that 70-80% of Americans consider their family to be dysfunctional. If your family is going through difficulties and challenges, you certainly aren’t alone. 

Challenges Faced by the Modern Family

Today’s families are much different from families in the past. The issues confronting modern families are not the same as those before them. Changes in regard to technology and social media have added new challenges. 

Although there are common features across families, there are considerable variations in the kind of challenges and problems that influence the way each member functions. The following can cause a great deal of difficulty:

• Breakdown of Family Relationship – At the rate partners are divorcing or separating, it is not uncommon for children to experience living with a single parent, step-parent or becoming part of a blended family. Relationships between parents, partners and children are often distressing. Children, most especially, are at greater risk for a wide range of emotional and behavioral health issues that can affect various aspects of their life. It is not uncommon for conflict and unhealthy family dynamics to emerge.

• Parenting and Family Dynamics – Life outside of the home can be very demanding for most parents. Whether one or both parents are working, maintaining consistency, routine, boundaries and connection can be difficult. It can be difficult for family memes to spend quality time together and maintain healthy dynamics. 

• Emotional and Behavioral Health Concerns – Many families have members affected by a range of emotional health concerns, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and others. Regardless of where these symptoms stem from, they can create a great deal of distress within the family..

• Poor Communication – Families without healthy and effective communication do not function well. Common problems include the lack of communication between members, failure of members to work on and solve problems together, different communication styles, etc. These challenges are often compounded when members begin to withdraw, give up, become frustrated or angry, and start to blame each other. What started as a minor miscommunication can become a deep-seated problem that grows worse as each member becomes distant and isolated from each other.

• Education – Some families have difficulties in accessing or sustaining their children’s education. This can be due to mental health concerns, learning disabilities, disruptive behavior, or bullying, the absence of an ideal supportive learning environment at home.

• Illness – When a member is affected by a serious illness or disability, the entire family can be affected not only by the disease, but by the entire health care process as well. Health problems can cause strain and increase the stress and anxiety level for everyone. Illness can disrupt the whole family, in terms of what their role is at home, the family’s lifestyle, and overall functioning. When a member becomes ill, the rest of the family assumes a specific responsibility and may be forced to alter their lifestyle and daily functioning.

• Addiction – Whether your family member’s addiction involves smoking, drug abuse, alcohol, shopping or gambling, it can affect the entire household. Members may feel a variety of emotions, such as resentment, guilt, pain, shame, or confusion as a loved one tells lies, binges, steals, becomes irritated easily, and or even turns aggressive while struggling with addiction.

• Death Of A Loved One – Losing a loved family member or friend can impact everyone in the family. Everyone grieves differently. This can cause a great deal of distress for everyone and drive people apart. 

A Family Under the Pressure of Challenges

Everyone reacts to challenges differently. Unfortunately, not all reactions are healthy, many can actually be toxic and damage family dynamics. Some may be inclined to engage in substance abuse or isolate themselves as a way of avoiding difficult feelings. Stress and heightened emotions can also result in some members becoming susceptible to disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The challenges families face today can lead to struggles in various aspects of life, including work, education, social integration, and self-esteem. If your family is experiencing any of the following you may need some help in working through challenges:

• Persistent arguments
• Anger and violence
• Avoidance
• Frustration
• Loneliness
• Jealousy
• Spite
• Eating and sleeping problems

Help in Overcoming Family Challenges

Families change over time. The needs and concerns of family members continue to change through the years. Often, what previously worked before may no longer be effective today. Each member has their own strengths and weaknesses, it can be tricky to tackle the endless challenges lining up at the door.

There are many challenges that seem too overwhelming to resolve on your own. These obstacles can significantly affect the health, stability, development and well-being of family members. It may be beneficial to seek family counseling to confront the challenges that strain your household’s relationships and overall family dynamic.

Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC contracts with licensed therapists who understand the challenges that families face. 

Counseling can help you and your family overcome challenges and come out stronger on the other side. You can face adversity head on, together. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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