Do You Believe Your Parent(s) are Trying to Kill You?
Introduction
The notion of feeling threatened by one’s parents is a deeply unsettling thought for every normal human being. The family unit traditionally embodies love, security, belonging and support; however, for some individuals, personal experiences rooted in psychological, emotional, or even physical abuse can lead to perceptions of danger from their own biological caregivers. This article delves into the reasons some may feel as though their parents are attempting to harm them, the psychological implications of such beliefs, and the pathways toward healing. It will look at the issue as though it is an absolute that is as though it is certainly true.
The Context: Understanding Abuse
Abuse is real. It’s important to define what constitutes harmful behavior within a parent-child relationship. Again, we will assume that abuse is present and will illustrate its various forms.
Abuse can be defined as the improper usage or treatment of a person, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. It can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices, crimes, or other types of aggression. It is rarely earned, but instead represents a reflection of the abusers imbalanced emotional, mental, or spiritual states. During these states the abuser fails to use good judgement, and common sense. The abuser’ imbalance is rarely the fault of the abused, but instead is due solely to the abuser.
Abuse can manifest in various forms, including:
- Physical Abuse: Any form of harm inflicted physically.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Patterns of behavior that negatively affect a child’s emotional well-being, such as constant criticism, manipulation, or gaslighting.
- Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs for safety, shelter, and emotional support.
For some children, the experience of abuse can lead to feelings of danger and betrayal, creating a sense of survival where one feels their own parents might wish them harm.
The Psychological Mechanisms at Play
For some children, the experience of abuse can lead to feelings of danger and betrayal, creating a sense of survival where one feels their own parents might wish them harm.
- Cognitive Dissonance
Children often rely on their parents as sources of security and love. When these figures turn abusive, it creates cognitive dissonance—a psychological conflict resulting from simultaneously holding two contradictory beliefs. On one hand, children want to love and trust their parents; on the other hand, they might feel threatened or unsafe. This dissonance can cause significant emotional turmoil, leading some to rationalize their parents’ harmful behaviors as intentional attempts to harm them.
- Hypervigilance
In abusive environments, children may develop hypervigilance. This state of heightened awareness means constantly scanning the environment for threats, which can lead to an exaggerated perception of danger. They may feel as though their parents are trying to kill them, even if the actual intent is not lethal. The fear becomes a learned response to past trauma.
- Projection of Fear
When children face chaotic or threatening environments, they may project their fears onto their parents. The theory of projection in psychology suggests that individuals attribute their unacceptable feelings or experiences onto others. Thus, a child might interpret a parent’s anger or frustration as a sign of intent to harm, even if it’s not the case.
The Emotional Aftermath
Feeling as if one’s parents are trying to kill them can have long-lasting effects on mental health:
Anxiety and Depression: These feelings can lead to a chronic state of anxiety or depression, often rooted in unresolved trauma. The best strategy that a person can do is to remove themselves from the hostiles. This might be difficult if you are a young person. Our Australian schools systems teach students from a very young age to report any and all abuse by anyone. This includes abusive parents. There are Children Support Agencies that may assist children that are being abused.
Thank you for Reading!
2024 Copyright Sabrina Renee Lemire