Toxic Family Members: 7 Tips to Limit the Impact

It is common to talk about toxic individuals. What happens when the toxic individual is within the family nucleus of the family? This is the problem we are addressing today.

We have always felt a responsibility to be grateful for our family since we were children. No matter what happens. We believe it is not okay to say no and have therefore set a self protection limit when a family member is a toxic individual.

Sometimes, we can spend years in abusive relationships that cause us to neglect our mental and physical health. This is because our loved ones are at risk. We forget to remember that family members can be unhealthy. We wouldn't choose these people if they were not familiar. Sherrie Campbell, psychologist.

It is important to remember that every family has their problems. There are many. These problems can become chronic and last for a long time in toxic families. These dysfunctional relationships are more common than you may think.

Family influences on our personality

How we become adults is influenced by our family relationships. If these relationships are healthy and there is enough love in childhood, and if parents teach the right values to their children, it is more likely that the person will be emotionally balanced as an adult.

However, in families with many arguments, verbal or physical abuse, abuse, and other forms of abuse, it is almost inevitable that this will have an effect on the victim.

A toxic family can have many psychological effects. The most common of these are:

Anxiety

Depression

Stress

Panic

Trouble with your personality

Emotional addiction

Feeling inferior

Low self-esteem

It is difficult to resolve conflicts

How do you identify a toxic family member?

This is the first step in stopping this dynamic. Healing the wounds left by sharing a toxic family is the second. To be considered toxic in a family, at least one must be present.

Feel invisible. Your needs are ignored and your opinions don't matter. Your brothers and parents don't have the time or patience to spend with you. Nobody seems to care about what you think or feel. You feel alone, insignificant and isolated. It is not possible to have the open and sincere communication that healthy families enjoy.

Feeling pressured: Doenormous guilt make you feel guilty even though you don't make mistakes? Do you feel worthless? Are your parents demanding that you excel at all you do? Do they never feel satisfied with your performance? Are you only able to do what your parents want? Do you feel loved by your parents only when you do what they want?

Feeling misunderstood, rejected. You may have tried to communicate with your parents or improve the relationship but to no avail. You are not understood by anyone in your family. You are ignored and not valued for your feelings. They don't have empathy for you.

What you can give is what makes you valuable. If your family loves you but only asks for something in return, this could be a sign they are trying to manipulate. Emotional blackmail is another way to manipulate people.

When you are around them, you feel overwhelmed. One way to tell if someone is toxic in your life is to observe how you feel after spending time with that person. It is likely that you are in a toxic relationship if you feel depressed, discouraged, and lacking energy at each meeting.

Constant conflict: The intensity and frequency with which conflict occurs in toxic families are a common trait. This is not healthy or calm, as people do not respect one another and communicate well. Even instances of verbal abuse or physical assault are common.

A reversal in roles can occur if parents are older than their children and force them to assume parental functions.

Feel controlled. Controlling parents believe their children cannot cope without them and can't make their own decisions. They don't allow this child to make their own decisions, make mistakes, and learn from them.

What can you do to limit toxic relationships within your family?

It is difficult to end a relationship that is toxic with a family member. It is possible to make changes in your behavior so that your family doesn't hurt you. These are some suggestions.

Do not expect any changes

A toxic person is difficult to reason with. If the other person is not able to see his mistakes, their way of acting will not change. You are responsible for changing how you react. You can change the dynamic of your life by changing how you react. You must decide what you don't accept and hold firm to your beliefs.

Be positive

People who are toxic are judgmental and often negative. It can lead to a loss of energy and judgment from those closest to them. This can happen to anyone. If someone in your family is negative or critical, try changing the subject. Talk about funny things. Always respond with the positive side. This will make them realize that you are not in their league if you do this repeatedly.

Be surrounded by good people

You should seek out fun, friendly people who share your interests. If you aren't feeling up to it, find activities that will allow you to meet new people.

Work on your self-esteem

Recognize the self destructive messages that toxic people constantly send to you (you are useless, you can’t do anything well, and you don’t recognize all I have done for you), and then question their credibility. We often believe what we believe, but we don't realize it. This is a crucial stage where you must be alert and recognize your worth and your strengths and increase your self-esteem.

Avoid emotional dependence

You can improve your self-esteem and reduce emotional dependency in this relationship. You will be able to take on the role of adult and determine your own path to happiness.

Confirm your identity!

It is also important to understand your rights . Learn to say no and to set boundaries. Stand up for them in a clear, direct manner. For fear of the consequences, we should not stop saying what is bothering you.

Ask for help

A psychologist is a good choice. For example, a psychologist who is specialized in systemic therapy can help you understand your family and what you can do to improve it.