What are Boundary Issues?

Boundary issues refer to difficulties in maintaining healthy emotional, mental, or physical limits between oneself and others.

Symptoms

• Difficulty saying “no”
• Over-sharing personal information
• Allowing oneself to be manipulated
• Feeling responsible for others’ emotions
• Resentment or burnout

Causes and Risk Factors

• Childhood neglect or enmeshment
• Fear of rejection or conflict
• Low self-esteem
• Trauma

Diagnosis

Boundary issues are recognized during psychological assessments but are not classified as a disorder.

Treatment and Management

• Boundary-setting training through therapy
• Assertiveness coaching
• Self-esteem building exercises
• Mindfulness of personal needs and emotions

Prognosis and Outlook

Learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries improves relationships, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing significantly.