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A toxic relationship is harmful to both parties involved. It can be characterized by a lack of trust, respect, and communication. In a toxic relationship, one or both partners may feel constantly belittled or put down.1
There may be feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, and manipulation as well. One partner may try to control the other through threats, violence, or gaslighting. Toxic relationships damage both parties (ranging from physically, mentally, to emotionally) and can lead to various problems, including mental health issues, missed work or school, and substance abuse.2
There are a few different things that can make a relationship toxic. One is a lack of trust, respect, and communication. In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel like they can trust each other with their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
However, in a toxic relationship, one or both partners may feel like they constantly have to defend themselves. There may be possessive or manipulative behavior occurring as well. Partners may feel like they must walk on eggshells, and this behavior could lead to ongoing emotional or even physical abuse.
In a healthy relationship, partners should feel like they are equals working together towards a common goal. However, in a toxic relationship, one partner may feel like they are constantly being belittled or put down. There may be a lot of criticism and judgment, with one partner feeling like they can never do anything right.
There are several signs that you or a loved one may be in a toxic relationship, and it is essential to seek professional help if you find yourself in one. The following are the signs to look for include:
Toxic relationships can leave you feeling drained, exhausted, and stressed. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself both emotionally and physically.
In order to deal with a toxic relationship, here are some things to take note of:
Also, to deal with toxic relationships, it is essential to know the difference between toxic and healthy behaviors so you can steer away from actions that can be harmful to yourself or others.
At Pacific Beach Health, we understand that toxic relationships can affect your mental and physical health. If you’re in a relationship that feels unhealthy, you may be dealing with toxic behaviors like manipulation, jealousy, possessiveness, or control.
These behaviors can leave you feeling drained, anxious, or even scared. If you’re ready to get help for your toxic relationship, our team of experts is here to support you. We’ll help you identify the unhealthy behaviors in your relationship and develop a plan to address them.
If you or a loved one find yourselves in a toxic relationship, it’s essential to be honest with yourself. If you’re in a relationship causing you more pain than happiness, it’s time to take a step back and reassess things. It’s also important to set boundaries. If someone in your life constantly puts you down or makes you feel bad about yourself, it’s time to draw the line. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
If you’re struggling to deal with a toxic relationship on your own, there’s no shame in reaching out to a friend, family member, or therapist for support. Dealing with unhealthy relationships can be difficult, but by taking care of yourself and setting boundaries, you can protect yourself from emotional harm and start living a happier life.
Pacific Beach Health is the community’s only outpatient provider specialized in integrative behavioral health care.
If you are looking for help or would like to schedule a consultation, we are ready to help you today.
