What if we’re all living inside a dysfunctional family—not just at home, but in our entire society?

In this deeply personal episode, Debilyn invites us into a vulnerable, honest reflection about how our stressed-out, emotionally reactive world is affecting us all. Between rising costs, political chaos, and fraying communities, it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re barely holding it together. And when people feel unsafe, they act out—right with blame, shame, and yelling. Sometimes we’re the target of that pain. Sometimes, we’re the ones causing it.

But what if there’s a way to break the cycle?

In this episode, Debilyn walks us through:

• How to find your safe spaces
• Why coping strategies like perfectionism and control don’t work
• What it means to be triggered—and how to lovingly respond
• Seven powerful steps to protect your peace when faced with “unacceptable behavior”

This isn’t a conversation about blame. It’s about choice. About legacy. About interrupting generational and societal harm by choosing grace, boundaries, and healing. Debilyn doesn’t just talk theory—she shares her own story, her own anger triggers, and how she is learning, moment by moment, to respond with presence instead of pain.

You won’t walk away with easy answers. But you will walk away with real hope—and a starting point.

“You can’t control someone else’s behavior. But you can choose how you respond. You choose how to protect your peace. Then you will create a different legacy—one rooted in courage and compassion.” — Debilyn

Support the show

Terrified Nation is part of the American Future project, fiscally sponsored by Mediators Foundation. You can support this podcast by making a tax-deductible donation here.