We Are Wired For Relationships

I introduce the concept of how we are wired for relationships as a focal point for this document. This document, “My Daily Life,” discusses the significance of my relationships and how they have affected my mental health. 

In psychologist Daniel Goleman's book Social Intelligence, he quotes Richard Davidson, Director of the Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin,


"All emotions are social. You can't separate the cause of an emotion from the world of relationships-our social interactions are what drive our emotions."



Dr. Brian Parkinson in his journal article "Emotions Are Social" further explains this concept.



He explains that emotions are interpersonal, cultural, and institutional and have an impact on other people. Emotions stem from interactions and are relational in meaning.



Why do emotions and the fact that they largely stem from relationships matter?



Dr. Mona Dekoven Fishbane explains in great detail that relationships are key to brain development in her article, "Wired to Connect: Neuroscience, Relationships, and Therapy."



She explains that genetics and environment play a huge role in brain development and that our experiences alter the connections among our neurons. Trauma, abuse, and neglect can impair brain function, and relationships also affect physical health.



For example, in the arena of mental health, WebMD explains that stress, abuse, or a traumatic event can contribute to triggering mental illness. Severe trauma as a child, neglect, and a lower capacity to relate to others also contribute to chances of developing mental illness. Divorce and a dysfunctional family were also listed as potential factors. All of these factors that I listed are relevant to relationship building. Mental illness can develop as direct result of unhealthy relationships.



In fact, according to Dr. Eric J. Marsh in his book Abnormal Child Psychology, the requirement for children’s mental health services will double by 2020. Twenty percent of adolescents with serious disorders have high levels of difficulty in finishing school. Their social problems and psychiatric disorders can negatively impact multiple aspects of their life throughout adulthood.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse can be difficult to identify. Often, well-intentioned individuals pressure people to believe in Christ using condemnation and fear-invoking tactics. Inappropriately quoting irrelevant Scripture or delivering Scripture in a harsh and insensitive manner are also other forms of spiritual abuse. Instead of empathy and discernment, some Christians judge inaccurately and make incorrect assumptions. Approach matters as well as context, and many Christians and non-Christians miss the mark in this area. If you find yourself being spiritually abused, I recommend letting the individual know what you've observed. If the individual insists that he/she is correct, distance yourself from the individual. God doesn't want you to feel fear, condemnation, or confusion pertaining to His character. God is love, and He wants you to protect yourself from action stemming from wrong doctrine and wrong perceptions.
Read more

The Perfect Relationship

The ultimate relationship is a perfect one. One that I perceive to be with God. Do I believe in God? I don’t know. I want to, but admittedly at times I am NOT a good example of a follower of God. What I do know: Pursuing the Concept of God is worth it. About People who HATE God: I used to be one of them. Try not to hate something you don't know or understand. NEED and EVIDENCE for God: While I’m not sure what I believe, I do recognize the need for God. Life can be confusing, and I feel I need guidance out of the choices I make. While I feel that it’s normal for me to think I know what’s best for me., I know that I don’t have all the information to make the best decisions. Furthermore, I realize that while I may believe that I know myself, I discover things daily about myself that I didn’t have self- awareness about. I have concluded that I need God to not only survive but to live a life filled with good decision-making. Furthermore, the existence of Truth ...
Read more

Homelessness

Due to poor mental health and abuse cycles, I often found myself moving from place to place and at the mercy of individuals who meant well but were ill-equipped to help. A couple of individuals who welcomed me in turned out to be judgmental and emotionally abusive. Homelessness was not only difficult emotionally, but physically I had to down-size or give away my belongings because I did not have a place to store them. Working was difficult for me because of the PTSD interfered with my ability to function. I was always in need of necessities and often times, I was looked down upon. I would constantly move back with family because I was unable to support myself. Homelessness contributed to my suicidal tendencies. I could not fix my mind, and I could not support myself due to emotional trauma. Additionally. the stress of trying to survive and being abused and mentally ill incapacitated me many times. If you find yourself homeless, don't lose hope. Press forward and stay po...
Read more