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Relationship issues (family, friends, intimate and professional)

What are relational issues?

Throughout life, we have relationships with many different people. Our first is usually with our parents or caregivers. When we are young, like sponges, we absorb all kinds of information. This includes learning what a healthy and unhealthy relationship looks and feels like.  

A healthy relationship helps us develop:  

  • Trust and loyalty. 
  • Open communication.  
  • Appreciation. 
  • Independence and personal identity. 
  • A sense of safety. 
  • An ability to get along well with others. 
  • Clear boundaries. 
  • Patience. 
  • Equality. 
  • Strategies for managing conflict.  

An unhealthy relationship may look and feel like: 

  • Your rights are being abused. 
  • Domestic and family violence – physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, or coercion. 
  • Physical assault.  
  • Gaslighting, manipulation, threats, or feeling harassed. 
  • Bullying. 
  • Neglect. 
  • Discrimination, prejudice, and inequality.
  • Drug and alcohol related issues. 

When we meet new people and build relationships, we can carry what we’ve learned from previous relationships. It is important to know that people, professionals and organizations are available to help you navigate or leave unhealthy relationships and build strong healthy relationships.  

Support at Curtin

Use the support network at Curtin University to learn how to effectively recognise and manage unhealthy relationships in a safe space. Curtin’s support services respect your confidentiality and autonomy to make your own decisions. 

Additional resources for relational issues