4 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship

Here's what's happening on the HealthyPlace site this week:

• 4 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship
• From the HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs
• Video: Bipolar Disorder and Social Anxiety. Yikes!
• Most Popular HealthyPlace Articles Shared by Facebook Fans
• Mental Health Quote

4 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship

According to Merriam-Webster, something toxic is "extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful." Sometimes, people don't want to think of their relationship with someone they care about as abusive (7 Basic Signs of a Toxic Relationship). Abuse is something that happens to others, right? Abuse means bruises and broken bones, doesn't it? Abuse does indeed mean these things, but it means so much more.

It might be easier to conceptualize unhealthy relationships by thinking of them as toxic. A toxic relationship harms. A toxic person causes emotional and/or physical damage to another person. If you don't quite think you're in an abusive relationship (take our emotional abuse test) but are concerned about how you're being treated, look for these signs you're in a toxic relationship.

1. Control issues. Your partner is rigid and must have his or her way. You find yourself complying to keep the peace and because it's easier.
2. Communication difficulties. Any time you express concern or a differing opinion, you're met with some form of anger and manipulation (shouting, shunning, belittling, aggression, etc.)
3. Feeling on edge. Because of his or her behavior, you walk on eggshells. You must justify everything, and you can't be yourself.
4. It's you. You've been made to feel that the relationship and partner are fine; the problem lies with you and your misinterpretation of reality.

If you recognize these signs, you could be in a toxic relationship. You deserve better, and it's okay to reach out for help.

Related Articles Dealing with Toxic Relationships

• How Abusive Relationships Cause Anxiety
• Toxic Relationships: Dealing with People Who Have Issues
• Toxic Relationships: How to Handle Them
• Emotional Abuse: Definition, Signs, Symptoms, Examples
• Psychological Abuse: Definition, Signs, Symptoms
• Effects of Emotional Abuse on Adults
• What is Verbal Abuse?

Your Thoughts

Today's Question: What signs tipped you off that you were in a toxic relationship? We invite you to share you thoughts, experiences, and knowledge on the HealthyPlace Facebook page.

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From the HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs

On all our blogs, your comments and observations are welcomed.

• Coping with Depression Challenges Your Self-Control
• Bipolar Moms: Resolve to Meet Your Own Needs in 2017
• Art as a Coping Tool in Eating Disorder Recovery
• Foster Unity over Division to Live Blissfully
• Three Myths About Involuntary Treatment
• Anxiety Affects Safety at Work. Here’s What to Do About It
• How Comparing Mental Illnesses Can Lead to Stigma
• Components of Binge Eating Disorder Recovery
• The Struggle of Sleeping Well with Bipolar Disorder
• What Does Euphoria Feel Like in Bipolar Hypomania?
• Bipolar and Physical Hypersensitivity: Washing My Hands Hurts
• The ABCs of Anxiety and Panic
• Does Someone You Know Have Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• Mental Health Stigma Affects Moods and Relationships

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments at the bottom of any blog post. And visit the mental health blogs homepage for the latest posts.

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From HealthyPlace YouTube Channel

Bipolar Disorder and Social Anxiety. Yikes!

Social anxiety is the fear of social situations and is a struggle for many people living with bipolar disorder. I am an outgoing person, however, I experience social anxiety when I am going through a depressive episode. I tend to withdraw from those around me and social interactions become extremely nerve-wracking and stressful.

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Most Popular HealthyPlace Articles Shared by Facebook Fans

Here are the top 3 mental health articles HealthyPlace Facebook fans are recommending you read:

1. BPD and Romantic Relationships: If You Really Loved Me
2. Fear of Abandonment Due to Mental Illness
3. A Verbal Abuse Quiz You Want To Take, Just To Be Sure

If you're not already, I hope you'll join us/like us on Facebook too. There are a lot of wonderful, supportive people there.

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Mental Health Quote

"Living with anxiety is like being followed by a voice. It knows all your insecurities and uses them against you. It gets to the point when it's the loudest voice in the room. The only one you can hear.

Read more anxiety quotes.

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