Cracks in the Foundation

Lydia was a 16-year-old girl with a good life—loving parents, great grades, and friends. But everything changed after a night out with her friends. She came home late, forgetting about an important test, and failed it the next day. Her parents were upset, disappointed, and banned her from attending any more school events.

Although they didn’t talk about it directly afterward, tension started to build in the household. Shouting matches between her parents, silent family dinners, and punishments for Lydia’s bad grades became the new normal. The once lively household now felt empty and tense.

Lydia blamed herself for the breakdown in her family. She withdrew from social events and focused on improving her grades, hoping to restore harmony. However, her grades continued to slip, and her anxiety worsened. She stopped talking to friends and isolated herself. Things were spiraling.

What went wrong?

The change in Lydia's family wasn’t caused by her failing a test. It was the result of long-standing, unresolved issues between her parents. These problems were ignored, and when they couldn’t be contained anymore, they manifested as anger directed at Lydia.

The tension in the household had been building for a while, and Lydia, feeling responsible, tried to fix it by focusing on her academics. However, anxiety started to take over, and her efforts only made things worse. Her worsening grades were a clear sign that there was more going on.

Lydia’s situation is not uncommon. Many people face similar struggles, and without proper help, these issues can escalate into depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or even thoughts of self-harm. Childhood traumas or unresolved family conflicts can have long-lasting effects. The key is understanding the root causes and seeking support. If you can’t solve it alone, don’t hesitate to reach out to others who can help. Things can improve.

"If there is a crack in the foundation, the whole building will collapse..."

-Haya Hafiz-