When you’re emotionally entangled in a relationship, it becomes hard to separate what you know professionally from what you feel personally. You might see the signs when things start to go wrong—manipulation, communication breakdowns, toxic dynamics—but acknowledging them and acting on them are two entirely different things. The emotional investment can cloud judgment, and the fear of disrupting the relationship can keep you stuck.… Read More Being the Therapist
When someone displays hate and coldness in their eyes—not just toward you, but seemingly toward everyone—it’s a sign of deep emotional or psychological disturbance. While this behavior may feel chilling and confusing, it’s essential to consider the possible explanations, including medical or psychological conditions, personal history, or personality traits.… Read More Hate and coldness in their eyes
Abuse over such a prolonged period indicates a lack of accountability and, often, an unwillingness to seek meaningful help or make changes. It also speaks to a disregard for the well-being of others, and that is never acceptable. Mental illness may explain certain struggles, but it does not grant anyone a free pass to harm others repeatedly, especially when opportunities to change or address the issue were likely available over such a long timeframe.
For the person on the receiving end of this abuse, the effects are often devastating, compounded by years of manipulation, control, or harm. Recognizing the abuse for what it is—and understanding that it’s not your responsibility to fix or endure it—is a vital step in healing and reclaiming your life.… Read More Mental Illness as an Excuse
It’s possible that external influences, such as other family members, friends, or even societal narratives, might shape their perception of the person in crisis. If they hear claims of “attention-seeking” or “manipulation,” they might distance themselves based on these biases.
In blended or complex family dynamics, alliances or pressures can form, affecting how people respond.… Read More Ignoring Pleas for Help
While it’s easy to feel anger toward the family for their inaction, it’s worth considering that their avoidance likely stems from fear, guilt, or emotional paralysis rather than malicious intent. That said, this doesn’t excuse their behavior—it just provides insight into why they might act this way. Compassionate but firm confrontation is often necessary to disrupt these patterns.
Ultimately, the well-being of the person with psychosis must remain the priority. If the family won’t step up, external systems may need to be involved to ensure they receive the care and dignity they deserve.… Read More Lack of collective accountability.
When you leave in your head years before you leave physically, it’s often because your inner self has started recognizing the toxic dynamics. You might have reached a point where you stopped believing the excuses, stopped blaming yourself, and started imagining a life free of the control, manipulation, or harm. This mental separation is an act of self-preservation—a way to begin reclaiming your identity and autonomy, even if the external reality feels inescapable at the time.
What’s important to remember is that this process is part of your journey to freedom. Mentally leaving is the seed of hope that helps you survive and eventually move toward physical separation. Even if it took years to manifest in action, those years weren’t wasted. They were part of your path to regaining strength, planning your way out, and building the resilience you needed to take that final step.… Read More Self-preservation
When family members prioritize their own comfort over truly supporting someone who is struggling with a mental illness, it can leave that person feeling abandoned, misunderstood, or even burdensome—a feeling no one should ever have to endure. It’s a stark reminder of how important empathy, genuine care, and shared responsibility are within families.
If your family is trying to “palm you off” onto someone else, it may stem from their discomfort in addressing your mental health needs or their inability to understand what meaningful support looks like. Unfortunately, mental health struggles can make people around us feel helpless or unsure of how to act, and sometimes they may look for an easy way out instead of stepping up in the ways we hope they would.… Read More Burdensome
It’s a complex and often painful realization when you see someone maintaining a facade—presenting an image that is far from the truth—while those around them, including family and friends, choose silence over confrontation. This dynamic can be frustrating, particularly when you know the reality behind their behavior and can sense that others do, too. Here’s a deeper look at this situation and ways to navigate it:
… Read More Their problem—not yours.
In close relationships, like with family or a spouse, this behavior can lead to a breakdown in trust. Loved ones, who are often inclined to be supportive when they believe someone is genuinely ill, may eventually feel deeply betrayed if they realize the illness wasn’t real. Once trust is compromised in a relationship, it’s challenging to rebuild, especially when loved ones feel they were deceived on such a personal level.… Read More Playing the Sympathy Card
Increased Emotional Distance
Hiding a mental health condition often means avoiding honest conversations, concealing emotions, or covering up behaviors. This secrecy can lead to an emotional barrier between you and your partner, which may make it difficult for you to connect authentically. Partners may sense something is off, even if they’re unsure what it is, and this can create a sense of distrust or confusion.… Read More Disclosure
