We have all experienced a toxic relationship at some point in our lives. Whether it be a romantic relationship, a friendship, or with a family member, that toxic relationship has probably affected you in multiple ways. Understanding how past relationships affect us can help us to heal and move forward in a healthy manner.
#1: Feeling Paranoid
Sometimes toxic relationships can leave us paranoid. We may constantly feel that others will do or repeat what happened to us in a toxic relationship. If we were constantly lied to, we might be paranoid that everyone is now lying to us. If we were cheated on, we might be extra paranoid about that happening again. Acknowledging that we may be feeling paranoid is a great first step. After acknowledging those feelings, we can work to work through and overcome them.
#2: Avoiding Intimacy
When we experience a toxic relationship, it can make us avoid intimacy. We may find it difficult to open up to new people and relationships. Take time to focus on yourself and what you are feeling. Many times we need to work through past trauma and experiences before we can successfully move forward.
#3: Experiencing Self-Doubt
Many toxic relationships leave us in extreme self-doubt. If you experienced a relationship where you were always made to feel as if you were wrong, you did not understand anything, or were incapable of doing certain things, that experience will naturally have a lasting effect on you. Working through self-doubt is a process. You will probably need to put forth the time and effort to understand your doubt and then work through it. Not many people can simply wake up and erase all of their self-doubts, especially after experiencing it for an extended period of time. Acknowledge your feelings, analyze the underlying trauma, and begin to work towards healing.
Toxic relationships can create lasting effects. If we do not work through that trauma, it can have the ability to affect many different areas of our lives. It can create self-doubt, avoidance of intimacy, and paranoia, to name just a few. We all react differently, and toxic relationships will impact us all in unique ways. Here at The Guest House, we know that it can be hard to work through the trauma from previous relationships. When you add in mental health struggles or addiction, it can feel overwhelming at times. We are ready to help. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you at (855) 483-7800.