Relationships are very important to our lives and for the most part are good for us. But what do we do when a relationship is no longer good for us? How do we recognize when a relationship has turned toxic?
Unhealthy, negative relationships don’t just happen with a spouse or romantic partner. You can have a toxic relationship with parents, siblings, co-workers or friends. Any relationship, between 2 or more people, that has an unhealthy dynamic is defined as a toxic relationship. A toxic relationship leaves you feeling worse about yourself and generally unhappy. A healthy relationship leaves you feeling good about yourself and brings positive outcomes to your life.
Signs that you are in a toxic relationship can include any of the following:
- Feeling as though you are never good enough.
- Feeling like you can never do anything right.
- Always feeling under attack.
- Always needing the other person’s approval.
- Always needing to be careful of what you say or how you say it.
- Not freely being yourself.
- Being put down by the other person.
- Always being blamed for the problems, the other person takes no responsibility.
- You are left with a constant feeling of negativity.
- Isolated from other relationships.
Toxic relationships take a high toll on mental health.
- Constant state of stress.
- Depression.
- Negative thoughts.
- Lower self-esteem.
- Anxiety.
- Lack of sleep.
- Lack of self-care.
- Isolation.
What to do when you recognize you are in a toxic relationship:
- Set boundaries on what you will accept or not accept from the other person.
- Stop contact with the other person, if necessary, if they won’t respect boundaries.
- Start practicing self-care: eating right, exercising, etc.
- Seek help from a professional if you need support in breaking unhealthy patterns.
Pinnacle Counseling has therapists that can help you find ways of working through your interpersonal relationships, individually or as a couple. If you would like to talk to a counselor that can help you cope and give you some guidelines on how to set boundaries, please call 479-268-4142. In this time of social distancing Pinnacle Counseling is offering both TeleHealth and in-office services, following all CDC safety guidelines to protect everyone.
