Summary
The article discusses family estrangement, using several examples of people who have stopped communicating with family members, including public figures like Brooklyn Beckham. Ben Cole Edwards, a trauma-informed coach from Wales, shares his experience of family estrangement, which he discusses with his large online audience. Research into family estrangement is limited, but surveys show that many people experience it, often sharing their stories on social media.
Key Facts
- Ben Cole Edwards has not spoken to his mother for three years due to a difficult relationship.
- He shares his experiences and offers advice to his nearly 900,000 followers on TikTok.
- Public figures like Brooklyn Beckham and Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty have also experienced family estrangement.
- A U.S. survey found that about 27% of adults have cut contact with a family member.
- Ben believes becoming estranged is usually a "last resort" for maintaining mental health.
- There is little research on family estrangement, but conversations about it are increasing, partly due to social media.
- Ben's estrangement from his mother began when he started questioning their relationship while expecting his first child.
- Social media provides a platform for people to share their experiences of estrangement.
