I am Li Di, the respondent, and I am grateful for this opportunity to engage with you.
The violent emotional outburst on New Year's Eve instilled a sense of powerlessness and fear in you and your mother. Despite being aware that this expression was inappropriate, your father seemed unable to control his actions. This incident had a profound impact on you, evoking a complex emotional response. Psychologically, you experienced a sense of fear and reluctance to return home. However, upon arrival, your apprehension dissipated. Emotionally, you also grappled with conflicting feelings towards your father. Despite recognizing his positive attributes, you struggled to reconcile your desire to forgive him with your inability to overlook his violent conduct. I empathize with the pain and confusion you are experiencing, and I offer you a supportive embrace. I am uncertain about the most appropriate way to navigate these emotions.
After reading your description on multiple occasions, I have formulated several points that I believe warrant discussion. At what point did my father begin to express his emotions in this manner? What precipitated my father's increasing inability to regulate his behavior? My mother encountered this situation and attempted to intervene, expressing her distress. This was a typical emotional response. At that juncture, was there a way I could have prioritized my own and my mother's safety, temporarily leaving the room to allow my father to express his emotions? After my father's composure had returned, I attempted to initiate a dialogue with him regarding the fear I had experienced at the time, recognizing that my father had also performed numerous benevolent actions when he was in a normal state. It is possible that, in a more tranquil environment, we could engage in a productive exchange.
Furthermore, the incident that occurred on New Year's Eve has left a psychological impact on me. I am disinclined to return home, as though in a state of avoidance. This may be a coping mechanism to protect myself from potential harm. However, I experience a sense of relief after returning home. Could it be because the home environment provides a sense of familiarity, or because when I return home I am face-to-face with my father, and as long as his emotions are stable, I can see and feel that I am safe? Perhaps I need to calm down and pay attention to my inner feelings. When the things I worry about do not happen, am I not as afraid?
My ambivalent feelings towards my father are characterized by a dichotomy of positive and negative sentiments. On the one hand, I acknowledge that he has done many benevolent acts. However, on the other hand, I am unable to pardon him for the harm he has caused us. In light of this, I seek to elucidate the underlying motivations behind these conflicting sentiments.
Specifically, I inquire whether there is any possibility for my father to undergo a transformation, express ordinary emotions, and resume normal communication. I have overcome my fear and resentment towards him, yet I still harbor a profound affection for him.
It should be noted that the aforementioned discussion represents merely a series of potential perspectives for consideration. Should any of the presented ideas elicit feelings of discomfort, it is at the individual's discretion to disregard them. It is essential to recognise that these are merely assumptions.
Let us examine the underlying psychological mechanisms that underpin your feelings and needs in order to facilitate a deeper understanding and acceptance of yourself. Based on your description, your reaction exhibits the hallmarks of "post-traumatic stress," a prevalent response to an event that poses a threat to one's or others' safety.
Despite the passage of time, the memories and emotions associated with the incident continue to resurface, influencing one's daily life. This phenomenon can be attributed to the brain's tendency to store such experiences as "fresh memories," which can be readily reactivated under specific cues, resulting in pronounced emotional responses.
Secondly, the ambivalent feelings experienced, including fear and resentment towards the father figure, as well as sympathy, illustrate the moral dilemma and emotional tug-of-war that exists within the individual. On the one hand, the direct negative impact of the father figure's actions evoke feelings of fear and resentment. On the other hand, feelings of sympathy emerge in response to the father figure's situation, potentially arising from an individual's deep-seated feelings for family relationships and a comprehensive understanding of the father figure's personality.
This complex emotional experience is not uncommon, particularly among family members.
Furthermore, you indicated that your negative emotions intensify when you are away from home and subside when you return. This may be because, while at home, despite the potential threat, there is also a sense of security and belonging that is familiar. This is a survival mechanism, and in dangerous situations, our brains prompt us to seek safety, even if that safety is based on uncertain foundations.
Furthermore, your concern for and protective instinct towards your mother demonstrate your empathy for her situation, which is part of your inner conflict. You want to protect her, yet you feel that you cannot.
In order to address these emotions, it may be helpful to acknowledge and accept that all feelings, including fear, anger, and sadness, are valid. It is important to avoid criticizing one's feelings but rather to recognize that they are a reflection of one's experiences.
Furthermore, recognizing that one is not responsible for one's parents' behavior and that one cannot solve their problems can help to reduce feelings of guilt and powerlessness. It is possible to find safe ways to express one's emotions, such as through the use of a diary, drawings, or conversations with a trusted friend.
Discussing one's emotions can help to mitigate their intensity. Additionally, engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can facilitate a sense of calm when one is experiencing elevated stress levels.
It is recommended that the subject attempt to create a mental image of a place where they feel safe and supported. This may be a real place or a haven in the subject's imagination that they can visit for comfort when they are emotionally troubled.
An alternative option would be to seek the assistance of a counselor, who can help one to comprehend and cope with these intricate emotions, and provide a secure setting in which to examine these feelings.
It is recommended that, when feasible, a suitable time and place be identified for a calm discussion of feelings with the father. The impact of his behavior on the individual and the family should be conveyed, as well as any concerns that arise.
It is not uncommon for individuals to be unaware of the impact of their actions on others. At the same time, it is important to develop a sense of personal boundaries and to distinguish between what is and is not acceptable.
This applies not only to the father, but also to the daughter.
In conclusion, it is important to reiterate that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone in this experience. Your situation is significant and worthy of acknowledgment, and you possess the resilience to navigate this challenging period.
It is imperative to prioritize self-care, seek appropriate assistance, and maintain an optimistic outlook regarding the future.
It is my sincere hope that my response has been of some assistance. It is important to remember that there is only one you in the world, and that you deserve all the good things in life.
Comments
I can totally understand how torn and hurt you must be feeling. It's important to prioritize your safety and emotional wellbeing. Maybe consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who can offer professional advice on handling these feelings and the situation.
This sounds incredibly challenging. It's okay to feel scared and angry. Perhaps talking to a trusted friend or family member about what you're experiencing could provide some support. You don't have to go through this alone.
Your feelings are valid, and it's understandable that you're struggling with this cycle of emotions. Seeking help from university resources, like a student advisor or campus mental health services, might give you strategies to cope with these difficult times.
It's heartbreaking to hear about your experiences. If possible, look into community resources or organizations that assist people in similar situations. They may have guidance on how to address the issue with your father while ensuring your own safety and peace of mind.