10 Misconceptions about Sibling Estrangement

[@dnk4559]

How did I miss this? Such a good conversation Fern and Ali-John!

[@Ibelieveinathingcalledlove]

Is it possible to develop a phobia of your own siblings? I get what I describe as a panic attack just thinking about them. I try not to think about why I became estranged because of this severe anxiety feeling I get. Otherwise the effect of estrangement has been positive. Not sure what to do about the random panic inducing thoughts. Any suggestions?

[@lbb530]

Your anxiety is understandable and from my own experience I can certainly relate! After being severely physically attacked ONCE by an older sibling at age 14, my senses became hyperaware of the inherent danger that it could happen again. Never felt safe around that abuser again, and it's been 50 years. Had to go NC from my whole original family (at age 65 ) as she is a perpetual "victim" and garners much support and attention from flying monkeys...Wishing you peace !

[@Ibelieveinathingcalledlove]

@@lbb530 definitely had multiple physical attacks which my older brother has no memory of at all. How convenient.

[@dnk4559]

I have felt very much the same way. I think it’s normal to feel uncomfortable around people who have been blatantly cruel and then to make matters worse watch them be surrounded by those support them and call you the problem. It’s such a sad situation.

[@Ibelieveinathingcalledlove]

@ I’m going on almost two years of sibling estrangement and after the first six months, I have made remarkable strides in building my self-esteem and I am accomplishing things at a level I wasn’t able to before. When you step away that is the first step. The second step is to stop internalizing their words and feelings towards you. I’m changed but I still get the rare feeling of fear if I think of seeing them. I just worry that all my growth will be undone. I seriously doubt that my estrangement has caused them to reflect on their own abusive behaviors. I haven’t received any correspondence from them apologizing for their treatment and seeking to rectify past behaviors. I can only assume they still see me as the problem.