Written by: Nida Batool Syed, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Toxic relationships are akin to emotional quicksand, gradually ensnaring you until you find yourself trapped in what seems like an inescapable morass of pain, confusion, and despair. These relationships are characterized by emotional, psychological, or even physical harm inflicted by one or both partners. They can manifest in various forms, from romantic entanglements to friendships and family dynamics. In this article, we will delve into the dynamics of toxic relationships, explore why individuals become entangled in them, discuss how to identify them, examine the profound impact they have on mental health, delve into the reasons people stay, dissect the challenges of leaving, learn about setting boundaries, explore the importance of seeking professional help, and understand the essential journey of recovery and healing.
Defining a toxic relationship
Toxic relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, are characterized by destructive patterns. They corrode your sense of self-worth, leaving you emotionally drained and unfulfilled.
Understanding the attraction to toxic individuals
Toxic individuals often exude manipulative qualities that draw people in. It could be their charisma, initial charm, or promises of change that make them appealing. Additionally, low self-esteem, past trauma, or a desire to "fix" the toxic person can contribute to this attraction. In some cases, individuals may gravitate towards toxicity because it feels familiar. If one has primarily known toxic relationships or witnessed toxic behaviours while growing up, these patterns can seem like the norm. Despite consciously questioning their choices, individuals might be guided by their subconscious, which can account for 95% of decision-making. Sometimes, people may not even realize they are in a toxic relationship due to their lack of exposure to healthier dynamics. This leads us to the frequently asked question: "How can I identify if I am in a toxic relationship?"
Recognising a toxic relationship
The first step towards healing is recognising that you are in a toxic relationship. Signs may include enduring constant criticism, enduring emotional manipulation, being isolated from loved ones, or feeling consistently drained and unhappy within the relationship. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek support from trusted friends or professionals when you suspect toxicity. Openly discussing your concerns when in doubt is always a good practice.
The impact on mental health
Toxic relationships can have a devastating impact on mental health. The emotional and psychological toll can manifest as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The unrelenting stress and negativity erode one's self-worth and inner peace.
Why do people stay?
Many individuals remain in toxic relationships for various reasons. These reasons may include the fear of being alone, financial dependence, societal pressures, or the hope that the toxic person will eventually change. Understanding these motivations is a pivotal step towards breaking free.
The challenge of leaving
Exiting a toxic relationship is often one of the most arduous decisions one can make. Manipulation, fear, guilt, and threats from the toxic partner can make escape appear insurmountable. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals is essential. They can provide guidance and protection.
Setting and maintaining boundaries
Establishing and upholding boundaries is crucial for your well-being. Clearly communicate your limits and what you will no longer tolerate. Be prepared to enforce these boundaries, even if it entails distancing yourself from the toxic person.
Seeking professional help
If you struggle to break free from a toxic relationship or have already ended one and need assistance with healing and processing, professional help can be immensely beneficial. Reach out to professionals like myself at www.luminoustransformationalcoaching.com or through various social media platforms to schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation.
The importance of recovery and healing
Recovery from a toxic relationship extends beyond simply moving on; it encompasses healing and processing the emotional scars that may linger. Subconscious healing is paramount to prevent recurring patterns in future relationships. This journey necessitates time, self-compassion, and support.
In conclusion
Toxic relationships can be devastating, but they are not insurmountable. By recognising the signs, seeking help, and prioritising your well-being, you can break free from the clutches of toxicity. This journey leads towards healing, self-discovery, and healthier relationships in the future. Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available to guide you on this path to recovery and healing.
Nida Batool Syed, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Nida Syed is the founder and CEO of Luminous Transformational Coaching practice and a senior member of the Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists Register (ACCPH), a member of The British Association of Therapeutic Hypnotists & NLP Practitioners (BAThH), and complies with their strict code of ethics. Nida Syed is also a registered member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA), which is internationally recognized as the elite force in professional, ethical complementary medicine by professional practitioners, doctors, and increasingly, by the general public. She is evaluated and approved by the International Practitioner of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) as an Executive member as well. This accreditation is a guarantee of quality and expertise.
She currently lives and is based in Manchester since 2019 and does virtual sessions with clients from all over the world. A face-to-face session is possible if that is something a client really wants. She works together with Brighter Space and has a therapy room located in Wilmslow, Greater Manchester.
Before moving to the UK, Nida used to live in the Netherlands where she chose to do a BA in Applied Psychology because she has always been interested in the workings of the mind and human behaviour. She has worked for years in the HR department for health care institutions while studying, and she also has medical knowledge from completing the medical assistant course in Amsterdam.
After settling in the UK Nida wanted to do things differently and stop working in the regular health care system where she felt limited. Believing that each person is unique and that someone cannot be truly helped and healed by following a specific protocol or putting a label on them, she opted for a guiding role and completed a practitioner's course to become a coach. During this course, she felt like a whole new world opened up to her and decided to further expand her skills and knowledge with mastery in NLP and Hypnotherapy.
The reason for Nida to choose this path is because she believes that psychology goes hand in hand with a holistic approach. That's why in her practice, she makes sure that she is not only listening to the client but also adapts to their needs during each session, to build an authentic relationship with each client. She uses her background in the medical field, mental health, and spirituality to help clients master their mindset, grow in confidence, overcome their fears, unlock their fullest potential and discover a better version of themselves.
Nida feels most fulfilled when she helps people find their inner light after going through a transformation. She feels honored to contribute to other people's growth, supporting them in their mental health and guiding them into accepting themselves.
Nida was also born with spiritual gifts such as energy healing, which she utilizes as a Reiki Master and is a qualified Reiki teacher as well. Through Reiki healing, she helps clients release energy blockages that cause delays and obstacles in their life.
