Dealing with unsupportive family members
I found these suggestions about unsupportive family members online. A lot of it came from sites about veganism, but most of what I read applies to us. I hope this helps.Â
- You are not alone.
- You are not at fault.
- Try to get your family member to go w/ you to your doctor or therapist (I know this is unlikely).
- Try not to judge them as they judge you (this is perhaps the hardest thing to do).
- Cut them off or at least minimize contact.
- Tell yourself that you’re doing the best thing for yourself by distancing yourself from unsupportive family members.
- Use “objective detached compassion.†Try reframing the relationship by understanding that they might think they are being blamed about your disorder (your family members probably feel threatened).
- Understand that it’s your family’s problem, not yours.
- Change the subject when your family gets critical.
- Let your family know that you hear & understand what they’re saying, but that the choice of how to cope w/ your disorder is yours alone.
- Kill them w/ kindness. Respond to criticism as though they said something positive.
- You can choose to be content – you can’t control your family; you can only control yourself.
- Make goals for yourself. As you meet those goals you’ll feel better about yourself.
- Make a list of all the supportive friends in your life.
- Have a support person w/ you if you decide to confront your family.
- Living well is the best revenge.