Relationships are difficult, it’s a well-worn proverb. Fights are common, and bad times are unavoidable. As true as they may be, clichés like these may draw attention away from more serious issues in one’s social and romantic life, such as signs that a relationship has become toxic, or has always been poisonous. You may feel abandoned, misunderstood, devalued, or attacked in a poisonous relationship. On a basic level, any relationship that makes you feel worse over time rather than better is potentially harmful. Toxic relationships can occur anywhere, including the playground, the workplace, and the bedroom. You might even have to deal with toxic family dynamics.
A relationship is poisonous when your emotional, psychological, or physical well-being is jeopardized in any way. Those with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression, or merely depressive inclinations may be especially vulnerable to toxic relationships since they are already sensitive to unpleasant feelings. For example, someone with bipolar disorder who is having a mixed or depressive episode may have a weaker handle on emotional stability than others, making them an easier target for toxic people. Toxic people, on the other hand, have the potential to harm everyone. Everything you need to know about toxic relationships, including what creates them and how to detect if you’re in one, is right here. You’ll also gain tips on how to effectively manage these types of relationships.
Only you can decide whether the negative aspects of a relationship exceed the positive aspects. Someone in a toxic relationship consistently undermines your well-being through what they say, do, or don’t do. Toxic relationships are those in which you give more than you receive, leaving you feeling unappreciated and fatigued. You always feel mistreated or as though your needs aren’t being addressed. Your self-esteem deteriorates over time. You’re lonely, misunderstood, degraded, or being attacked. You feel unpleasant, annoyed, or tired after chatting or being with the other person.
