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Show Notes
Have you ever tried to explain what’s wrong in your relationship, only to be told you’re overreacting, imagining it, or making it up?
In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m talking about Cassandra Syndrome, the experience of feeling unheard, dismissed, or invisible in your own reality. While it’s often linked to partners of people with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergence, the truth is it can show up in any relationship dynamic where your experiences are minimised.
We’ll explore how Cassandra Syndrome develops, why it’s so damaging to your sense of self, and what helps you break the cycle. This is not about blame, it’s about understanding, naming your experience, and finding ways to feel seen again.
In this episode I talk about:
- What Cassandra Syndrome actually is (and isn’t)
- How being repeatedly dismissed affects your mental health
- Why some partners shut down instead of responding
- The role of emotional labour in relationships
- How to set boundaries without falling into the rescuer role
- Steps to reclaim your voice and sense of reality
- How therapy can help couples rebuild connection and mutual understanding
Resources:
- The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling
- The Four Horsemen: The Antidotes
Connected Teens
https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/
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Mentioned in this episode:
Join me live Jan 28th for the Relationship New Year Reset https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/