Toxic Relationships: What They Are, the Warning Signs and Navigating Through Them

Home

Relationships

Toxic Relationships: What They...

Personal Growth

Ethan Fernandes

November 12 , 2024

In a healthy relationship, everything just kind of works. Sure, you may disagree from time to time or come upon bumps along the way. But that doesn't mean that the specific relationship has turned toxic, whether this is a relationship between two partners in a healthy marriage or a relationship between two friends or siblings. No, a toxic relationship by definition makes you feel unsupported, misunderstood, demeaned, or attacked (both mentally or physically). It can also occur when one person starts to have more control than the other, which continues as a pattern of emotional harm. Disrespect and manipulation can lead to the deterioration in the mental and emotional health of the individual.

The warning signs that can help you recognize a toxic relationship:

There are quite a number of warning signs that can show you the levels of toxicity in a relationship. Displaying negative behaviors like:

Control and dominance: Where one of the individual will dictate who the other can see, what they can do or how they should think or feel about specific things.
You feel ashamed or belittled: When emotionally immature people can't find something bad to point out, they tend to invent something or bring something up from your past to prop themselves up.
You don't receive empathy for whatever you feel: Empathy is like a pair of glasses you put on to see the world through someone else's eyes. Empathy is also mentioned in the Bible under Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." A toxic person is completely focused on their own needs and wants, blinding them from the needs of the other individual with them. They might dismiss you share important things with them or turn the conversation back to them.
Gaslighting: A form of manipulation which would make you question your own reality, perceptions or even your own memory. It is basically a form of psychological abuse where the abuser denies certain experiences of the victim or insisting that the victim is being overly sensitive.
Jealousy and Possessiveness: Although it is acceptable for a little jealousy in the relationship, it can become a problem if you don't acknowledge your partner's accomplishments. The concept of being in control also comes into play when you don't want the individual to be in contact with another individual who you think might threaten your relationship.

Photo by Obie Fernandez Team on Unsplash

How do you navigate through a toxic relationship?

The main goal/objective to navigate through a toxic relationship is to first recognize the signs. These could be the signs mentioned above or maybe more that haven't been mentioned here. But what happens after you realize you are knee-deep in a toxic relationship?

The first thing is to seek help. Seeking help from a loved one (includes friends and family) or a professional can be beneficial for the victim, emotionally. Sharing your experiences with others who can understand can provide comfort to the victim. Professionally, he/she can go for counselling to a mental health professional or a therapist where they can help you process these emotions and develop coping strategies.

Surround yourself with positive individuals. Even one person is enough. They can give you the courage and an idea of what life can be outside a toxic relationship. You'll need them for emotional support.

Healing the guilt is another way of letting go of the relationship. You might feel that you have hurt the other person, and that's completely okay. So, the first step towards healing yourself is self-forgiveness. According to studies, self-forgiveness can lower blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and stress levels, as well as the risk of a heart attack. (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

Photo by Caique Nascimento Team on Unsplash

Protect Yourself From Toxic Relationships

Ending a toxic relationship can be difficult and time-consuming. But it can also be freeing and can help open up your life once again. You do not have to watch, as toxic communication and odd behavior patterns cause your relationship with your partner to fall apart. The most important thing when handling these kinds of relationships is to stay safe. This can obviously help make a lot of change in your life.

If you want to change your life and grow personally and you do not feel safe in your relationship right now, get in touch with a mental health professional at Heart It Out, an organization that can help you with your mental needs and difficulties.