I have recently given more thought to interpersonal relationships and the way that past trauma or early childhood adversity can affect the ways we interact with and even love each other. In my blog on codependency, I explore these themes further by focusing on relationship dynamics and how they are often influenced by people’s childhood experiences. The shared human need for belonging, safety, and love is so strong and powerful that it can overshadow or even get in the way of healthy functioning in our interpersonal relationships. As is the case in many codependent relationships, those involved are so closely connected that they become reliant on each other.
Later in the month, I explored the fascinating “Drama Triangle” by looking at the different roles we assume in conflicts. Understanding the drama triangle and how, with each role, we mask hidden meaning, vulnerability, fear, frustration, and unmet needs can help us address the personal stories we have all created to understand relationships and the world around us. The mental patterns and life scripts developed from childhood interactions and close relationships can repeat throughout relationships, which can become exhausting and make us feel constantly misunderstood when we don’t confront our own unmet needs.
All of this shapes how we see ourselves, both consciously and unconsciously, in relation to others and influences our decisions in relationships throughout our lives. So, I invite you all – next time you find yourself exhausted and misunderstood in a relationship, ask yourself, “What are my unmet needs here? How is this situation serving me? And, what life scripts might I be following?” You may be surprised to see what answers you find.
I also want to recognize August as Overdose Awareness Month. I invite you to join me in remembering all those we've lost to drug overdose and committing to stand by those who are struggling. We have seen a record rise in drug-related deaths in 2022, with the US losing 109,680 people to overdose. The yearly rise in deaths was as high as 21% in some states as the fentanyl crisis continues to deepen.
Let's raise awareness, break the stigma, and offer support to individuals and families affected by this crisis. Together, we can create a compassionate and understanding community that prioritizes mental health and substance use recovery.
Monthly Blog Round-Up
The following is a round-up of our monthly blogs in case you missed any on our social media pages.
You may or may not have heard of the term “drama triangle,” but you will most likely have experienced it. The drama triangle, first defined by Stephen Karpman in 1961, is used in psychology to describe the ways in which we present ourselves as "victims," "persecutors," and "rescuers" in conflicts.
The "drama” arises from the emotions suppressed when we assume these roles. It is important that we realize that we are just playing these roles and that none accurately defines who we really are. However, despite this realization, we can all get caught in a cycle that is hard to escape.
In recent years, there has been a surge in public awareness of neurodiversity and the many diagnoses that are encompassed in this term. Increasingly, public spaces such as schools, workplaces, public transport, and other venues are making adaptations so that neurodiverse individuals can feel physically and psychologically safe.
Neurodiversity has remained poorly understood for decades, and only recently have there been strides forward in both the recognition of the challenges that neurodiverse individuals face and in terms of increased visibility of neurodiverse people.
Codependency is when each person involved in a relationship is emotionally, physically, spiritually, or mentally reliant on the other. A codependent relationship can exist in any pairing, including between romantic partners, family members, and friends. For those in the relationship, it may feel secure, supportive, and healthy, but codependency often leads to dysfunctional relationship patterns.
While codependency is not clinically diagnosed as a standalone disorder, it encompasses elements of attachment style patterns formed during early childhood. Additionally, it can intersect with various personality disorders, including dependent personality disorder.
Trauma can profoundly impact a person’s life, and your support can make a significant difference in their healing process. However, supporting a loved one recovering from a traumatic experience can be challenging and requires sensitivity, empathy, and understanding. Watching them struggle with the lingering effects of the event and not knowing how to help can also feel daunting and frustrating.
Remember that supporting someone through trauma recovery can be emotionally challenging. It's essential to seek your support system or professional help if you feel overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed.
