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Managing relationships

Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Hi everyone,

I have a difficult member of my family who causes a lot of arguments and tension between the whole family. They often message me, complaining about myself or other family members. We recently had an issue booking a cruise and since then, my family member has been complaining every day, although the issue has been resolved. My psychologist suggested I say, "You need to stop talking about this. The issue has been resolved. Any lingering issues should be sorted out with mum and dad."

I also got the approval of our parents before sending the message to make sure it was polite but firm. My psychiatrist has also been encouraging me to tell my family member to defer to our parents regarding issues they have.

However, this made them angrier. They called the response rude, abusive and dismissive. I'm not sure where to go from here or how to set clear boundaries. All my attempts at doing as my psychologist and psychiatrist recommended have failed to work.

For example, they suggested I stay in my room to avoid this family member, but they barge in anyways and refuse to leave. I'm bed bound and cannot close the door myself. Refusing to respond makes them angrier and more likely to trigger my seizures. Telling them the issue has been resolved does not work and telling them to sort it out with mum and dad got the response, "It's their issue to sort out. They're the problem, not me."

Can someone please suggest anything that would help? I'm looking into out of home care options, if anyone can suggest something for severely disabled and young people? Thank you.

4 replies

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In response to: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Hey there,

That's such a tough one. I wonder if the family member continues to do this because you will listen?

In response to: Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Hi @tyme,

That's definitely a part of it, which my psychologist has recognized. The problem is I'm fully dependent on other people. This family member is sometimes left alone with me for long periods of time and has threatened in the past to not provide me with my medical aids, medication, etc. if I anger them. I also spent years agreeing with whatever they wanted out of guilt, because they told me my disability had ruined their life. These are tough habits to break, but more than that I'm unsure if I'll be putting myself in a worse position by standing up to them.


In response to: Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

I'm guessing you have NDIS? Part of NDIS is to help you live more independently. Being held down by threats to not provide you the care you need is not really sustainable - would you agree?

Is there a way you can utilise NDIS supports to help you live more independently?

I'm sorry you are going through this. I seems so unfair. And you are not alone in this. I've heard others mention this too... that needs are withdrawn if carers are not happy.. @PeterStrahm

In response to: Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

Re: Setting Boundaries With Family Member

I've been knocked back from the NDIS 4 times 😞 I'm in the process of applying for a 5th time, I've just been waiting to hear back for a few months.

I totally agree, though. I don't like feeling like my disability aids are privileges I get if I behave.

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