Question: Hi! I am going through a very bad phase since the isolation has started. We live in a joint family but since everyone is working, we hardly got any time to spend with each other. The lockdown has forced everyone to stay under the same roof for 24 hours.
As a result of which, we are pretending like one big happy Indian family. Sadly, some hidden tensions have resurfaced during these troubled times. For example, my sister-in-law leaves no opportunity to pass snide comments at me and my mother-in-law will point out the slightest flaw she would find in my work. Last time when I cooked dinner, my father-in-law taunted me saying I should utilise this time to learn cooking because the dinner that I had prepared is inedible. I was tolerating their behaviour for a few days but then I also started replying back. With constant fights and bickering, the atmosphere at my place has turned very toxic. Please tell me what should I do? —By Anonymous
Response by Dr Rachna Khanna Singh: Hello! Thanks for reaching out.
I understand that the atmosphere is suffocating and the frustration attached with it is very natural to feel. These tough times which take a toll on us are hard to tackle but not impossible. Especially when we do not know for how long the lockdown is going to last the best thing to do in your situation is to find ways to control the toxicity.
To approach the situation the key is to have a calm approach and communicate with your family members. Try to solve all the underlying issues one by one with everyone in your family. Convey that you are taking this step in the best interest of the whole family. Hope this helps. Feel free to contact further. Stay Home and stay safe
Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh is HOD of Holistic Medicine and Psychology in Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
