How to overcome the consequences of a toxic relationship?

It is possible that at some point in our lives we have been, perhaps even without realizing it, in a toxic relationship. This expression is often used to refer to the presence of behaviors such as physical and verbal abuse, jokes and degrading comments, jealousy, among others.

Ending and getting over a toxic relationship can be challenging.but when you meet yourself again, you will realize that all the hard work was worth it.

In this article we will identify the psychological effects of this type of relationships and some strategies to overcome them and emerge from these experiences strengthened and renewed.

How do I know I’m in a toxic relationship?

A toxic relationship differs from a healthy relationship in that in the former there does not seem to be a benefit for either party. Many times in toxic relationships there are no common and shared goals and there is no concern for one’s own personal growth or that of the couple. This results in ties sustained from emotional dependence and subordination and in harmful practices, such as manipulation, victimization, emotional blackmail, gaslightingviolence, among others.

toxic relationships They can have a direct impact on mental health, generate symptoms of anxiety and depression, eating disorders, and even cause self-harming behavior.. Added to this, they have a negative impact on our self-esteem and our confidence in building healthy relationships in the future.

Of course, the first step to leaving a toxic relationship behind is recognizing that you are in one. This means starting to have a realistic view of the relationship, the couple and all those elements that you feel are harming you.

To get out of the toxic relationship it is very important to seek help, reestablish emotional networks and seek support in your circle of trust. It will also be essential to plan for the breakup, including having a financial plan, to avoid possible setbacks that prevent you from making the decision.

Tips to overcome a toxic bond

Below, you will find some tips to overcome the aftermath of a toxic relationship:

1. Seek support

One of the most important questions has to do with restoring your social circle. It is possible that during your relationship you have distanced yourself from many people and have broken some ties. One of the traits of toxic relationships is that they can make us fall into isolation and loneliness for fear of criticism and judgment about our role in the relationship.

Thus, in order to start over, it is essential to reunite with your loved ones, forge new friendships and surround yourself with people with whom you can share your feelings and insecurities regarding the breakup.

2. Self-care

Besides, It is possible that during your relationship you have put yourself in the background and neglected some aspects of your well-being. To start, you could take up interests and hobbies that help you reconnect with yourself. You could also start playing a sport or explore some hidden talent to discover facets of yourself that were unknown to you and that will help you in this process of self-discovery.

In any case, It is important that you spend time on activities that you enjoy. In addition to this, remember that you must take care of your physical and mental health. Try to avoid habits that could be harmful to you, such as drinking excessively, having an unhealthy diet, or engaging in risky sexual behavior.

3. Accept and let go

In addition to the above, although it is normal to feel guilt and regret, it is necessary to accept these emotions to progressively stop experiencing them. Accepting the past and what happened is essential to extract valuable learning.

Don’t forget the reasons why you ended the relationship, these will be useful to prevent you from questioning your decision. Sometimes we tend to remember only the good times or think that we won’t be able to live without the other person, but these thoughts may have originated from the same toxic nature of our relationship.

We may have been manipulated and may have cultivated a deep fear of loneliness and abandonment. Learning to identify these fears and work on them is vital to overcoming the end of an unhealthy relationship.

4. Strengthen self-esteem and self-knowledge

Of course, Restoring self-love is a transcendental step to overcome the consequences of a toxic relationship. On the one hand, staying firm in your decision will help you strengthen your self-confidence, helping you build more positive bonds in the future.

You can also identify your own behaviors that may have fueled the toxic relationship and seek to transform them. Of course, this does not mean victimizing or blaming yourself, but rather recognizing that, for example, you could have been more assertive and expressed your discomforts and displeasures in time or that you lacked the self-confidence to leave the relationship sooner.

5. Seek professional help

Finally, The result of all these strategies will be better if you seek professional support. Working hand in hand with a psychology professional will help you overcome the consequences of a toxic relationship.

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