When to Seek Help

Impacts and Toxic Power Struggles

No matter what country you live in, you most likely feel increased stress from the current global economic difficulties. People are losing homes, jobs, relationships, and security. When this happens, it is fuel for conflict. Oppression rises. Desperation and despair takes over. Power struggles ensue.

When stress is at an all-time high and according to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 58% of people in stress take it out on their loved ones.

It’s also a serious health hazard when this type of conflict and stress goes untreated. Up to 77% of people feeling stress report physiological symptoms (heart problems, cancer, immune deficiency, etc.) and 73% report psychological issues (depression, anxiety, etc.).

Signs to Get Help

Power struggles can become toxic and, in the worst cases, lethal. Signs of toxic power struggles can include:

• Having your communication blocked (being ignored; repeatedly interrupted; yelled at or scolded)
• Being treated as invisible (people stop speaking to you; you are physically isolated; access to others has been barred)
• Having your reputation attacked (people spread rumors; you are spoken to in derogatory terms; your mental stability is threatened; your lifestyle is attacked)
• Being threatened (this can range from physical attacks, stalking, outright harassment, and threats to being asked to complete dangerous and/or physically strenuous tasks that are extreme)

If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these signs (especially the last one), please seek help from a counselor, therapist, pastor, lawyer, or someone you trust immediately.