If these sound familiar, you're in the right place.
You’re not crazy, damaged, or too much. You learned to survive chaos, and now you’re ready to stop surviving and start living.
Chronic feelings of isolation or fear of authority
You may feel uncomfortable around people in positions of power or find it hard to trust others.
Strong need for approval
Seeking validation from others can become a way to feel safe or valued, sometimes at the expense of your own identity.
Sensitivity to anger and criticism
Even mild disapproval can feel threatening or overwhelming.
Attraction to compulsive or dependent partners
You might find yourself drawn to people with addictions or other compulsive traits, repeating familiar relationship patterns.
Victim mindset
It can feel natural to see yourself as powerless or drawn to relationships where you feel needed but not equal.
Over-responsibility
Taking care of others can feel easier than focusing on your own needs or emotions.
Guilt for self-assertion
Setting boundaries or saying “no” may trigger guilt or fear of rejection.
Addiction to intensity
You may feel more comfortable in chaotic or emotionally charged situations than in calm, stable ones.
Confusing love with caretaking
Love may feel tied to rescuing or fixing others rather than mutual support.
Difficulty expressing emotions
You may have learned to suppress feelings to avoid conflict or pain.
Low self-esteem and harsh self-judgment
Inner criticism can be constant and self-worth often feels fragile.
Fear of abandonment
You might stay in unhealthy relationships to avoid the pain of being left or feeling alone.
Internalization of alcoholic family patterns
Even without drinking, you may unconsciously adopt similar emotional or behavioral patterns.
Reactive coping style
Life may feel like a series of reactions to others, rather than a process of making intentional choices.
Did you grow up in dysfunction?
Family Environment
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☐ I grew up in a home where adults yelled, argued, or fought often.
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☐ I felt unsafe or walked on eggshells around at least one caregiver.
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☐ A parent or adult had a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other addictions.
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☐ Someone in my household struggled with untreated mental health issues.
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☐ My caregivers were emotionally unavailable, inconsistent, or unpredictable.
Emotional Experiences
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☐ I was often criticized, shamed, or made to feel “not good enough.”
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☐ I felt responsible for keeping the peace or taking care of adults.
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☐ I stayed hyper-vigilant or alert for sudden changes in mood or danger.
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☐ I felt more like the “adult” in my household at times.
Neglect or Lack of Support
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☐ My basic emotional needs (comfort, attention, affection) were not consistently met.
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☐ I didn’t have an adult I could reliably turn to for help or comfort.
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☐ I felt invisible, ignored, or overlooked in my home.
Abuse or Harm
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☐ I experienced physical discipline that felt excessive, frightening, or painful.
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☐ I was touched, exposed to, or involved in sexual behavior I didn’t want or understand.
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☐ I was frequently yelled at, insulted, or belittled.
Household Instability
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☐ My family moved often, lived with relatives, or struggled with housing/financial stability.
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☐ A family member went to jail or was frequently involved with the legal system.
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☐ There was divorce, abandonment, or long periods when a caregiver wasn’t around.
Social & School Experiences
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☐ I felt chronically unsafe in school or my neighborhood.
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☐ I was bullied or isolated from peers.
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☐ I had trouble concentrating, sleeping, or relaxing because of stress at home.
Overall Impact
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☐ I remember feeling scared, alone, or overwhelmed often as a child.
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☐ Some of my current struggles seem connected to things that happened growing up.
