Toxic

Relationships

Eng 2010
A toxic relationship isn’t just something that
happens between someone and their
significant other. These relationships exist in
people’s everyday lives and can be between
anyone that you come into contact with.
Web MD defines a toxic person as “A toxic person is anyone whose behavior adds
negativity and upset to your life. Many times, people who are toxic are dealing with
their own stresses and traumas.” (Brennan, WebMD)

Examples of Toxic Relationships:

Teacher-student
Boss-employee
Mother-child
Sibling-sibling
etc.
With the today’s world of COVID-19, many people/couples have been “forced” to spend more time
together leading healthy relationships to form toxic patterns.“Due to the pandemic, some couples
are experiencing increased anxiety, which has the capacity to shape and strain a relationship,
regardless of the foundation of love, respect, and ideals.” (Leela R. Magavi, MD) With the stay at
home quarantine mandates, many relationships were put to the test. Those who were already in
abusive relationships were required to spend almost every hour of every day with their abuser.
Domestic violence is a very huge part
of toxic relationships. “Reports from
local police near the epicenter of the
COVID-19 outbreak in China's Hubei
province, indicate that DV tripled
during February 2020 compared to
February 2019.” (Fraser E.
Development UAftDoI; 2020.)
WHY DO PEOPLE STAY?

- Even though the bad things outweigh the good, there are still
“good” things about that person.
- Scared to be alone after they leave
- Afraid of losing close friendships they have made with that
person
- They think that things will change
- Dependance
- Lack of self worth
What are the warning signs of a toxic relationship?

The most serious signs of a toxic relationship are any form

of physical abuse, or violence. In no way is it okay for
someone to put their hands on another in an aggressive or
inappropriate matter, unless given consent.

Being completely unhappy no matter where you are with

the relationship.

If you see a decline in your mental health, and if your

friends and family can see that you are unhappy and not
being treated properly. In many toxic situations, those
around you notice and should say something to stop from
possible future bad events.
What should you do if you are involved in a toxic
relationship?
Find those people in your life who you trust the most
and who are the most supportive and let them help you.
Many people struggle with PTSD after getting out of a
toxic relationship and will need those who can add
more positivity to your life. Find a good relationship
therapist or support group where you can go and talk
about your feelings versus feeling guilty on the inside,
which will only make you want to go back or rush into
another bad relationship.
My Reason:
I have been involved in many toxic
relationships, one of which was with a
childhood friend. I was constantly being
manipulated, used, and treated so poorly by this
person but because of how close we were I
didn’t think anything of these things and how
they could be toxic. I realized after our
relationship ended (not on the best terms) that
my friend had created a toxic relationship with
me and was able to replay events in my head
that made more sense now. By accepting that
this was the nature of our friendship, I have
been able to spot more toxic relationships and
am not afraid to do something about them.
PLEASE CALL IF YOU NEED HELP!

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available

for 24/7 guidance at 1-800-799-7233.
Brennan, MD. (2020). Toxic person: Signs to look for. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-toxic-person#:~:text=A%20toxic%20
person%20is%20anyone,their%20own%20stresses%20and%20traumas
.

Ducharme, J. (2018, June 05). Toxic relationships: Signs, help and what to do.
Retrieved April 10, 2021, from
https://time.com/5274206/toxic-relationship-signs-help/

Pantazi, J. (2019, September 29). 10 reasons why we stay in toxic relationships.

Retrieved April 10, 2021, from
https://www.youniversetherapy.com/post/10-reasons-why-we-stay-in-toxic-relation
ships

Sweet, J. (2021, February 08). How has the pandemic affected your relationship?
Readers weigh in. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from
https://www.verywellmind.com/relationships-during-covid19-survey-5105103