Toxic Relationships and Mental Health: How to Heal Yourself

It's no secret that toxic relationships can have a serious impact on our mental health. Whether we're in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even a family relationship, when it becomes toxic, it can be damaging and destructive. In this blog post, we'll discuss the signs of a toxic relationship, how to heal and move on, and some tips for preventing them from happening in the first place.

What is a toxic relationship and how can you identify one?

If you've been in a relationship for a while and it feels like there's something missing or not right, then chances are good that the two of you aren't compatible. If this is true, then how do we know what to look out for as signs of a toxic relationship? Here are some things to keep in mind when evaluating your own situation:

When you're with the person, do they make you feel good about yourself? Do they encourage and support who are as an individual or do they take away from it by criticizing you constantly? If there's one thing that no one should ever tolerate being told repeatedly how much better off we'd be if we just lost a few pounds.

Do you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them? This is another common sign of an unhealthy or toxic relationship. If the person you're with constantly puts you down, makes fun of what you do or how you look, or invalidates your feelings, then it's time to get out.

Do they make you feel guilty for wanting to spend time with your friends or family? One hallmark of a toxic relationship is that the person will start isolating you from those who care about you. They may say things like "Why do you need them when I'm here for you?" or "You don't need them, I'm all you've got." This is a way of controlling behavior that often leads to abuse as well.

Are they abusive? Whether it's physically, emotionally or verbally; if your partner hits, yells at, insults, and demeans who are then it's time for them to go! Now!

Is it affecting your mental health? If you're constantly stressed out because of this person, then chances are good that they're toxic and need to be removed from your life ASAP. It's important not to stay in a relationship just because you've been together for so long or think it'll get better eventually; if they're hurting you then it's time to go!

What is the impact of toxic relationships on mental health?

There are a number of ways in which toxic relationships can impact our mental health. For starters, they often cause us to feel isolated and alone. This is because the person who's being toxic will start to cut us off from those we care about as a way of controlling us. Additionally, when we're constantly put down or made to feel like we're not good enough, it can make us feel anxious and depressed. These negative feelings can start to compound over time, leading to a decreased sense of self-worth and even suicidal thoughts.

It's important to remember that we're not alone in this. There are many people who have gone through or are currently going through a toxic relationship and there is help available. If you're feeling suicidal or like you can't cope, please call a suicide hotline in your area. You are not alone and there is always someone who wants to help.

3. How to heal and move on from a toxic relationship

It isn't easy to heal from a toxic relationship. But it is possible! Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you're moving on in the healthiest way:

Set boundaries with yourself and your partner. This means not allowing certain types of behavior (like yelling, hitting, etc.) or comments (like insults) to be tolerated. If they cross these boundaries, then it's time to end the relationship.

Talk about how you're feeling with someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member or therapist. It can be helpful to have an outside perspective on what's going on in order to start healing.

Start taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This means eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and taking time for you. All of these things will help you to feel stronger and more capable of dealing with a toxic relationship.

Move on gradually. Don't try to forget about what happened overnight. It will take time and patience to heal from a toxic relationship. Be kind to yourself and take things at your own pace.

We hope that these tips help you to heal from a toxic relationship! Remember, it might not be easy but it is possible!

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ConnexOntario provides contact information for mental health and addictions services that are funded by the Ministry of Health. Our professionals listen, offer support, and provide information to help educate you on services available for addictions, gambling, or mental health.