GET SUPPORT OUTSIDE YOUR FAMILY

Unfortunately a toxic family member can constantly bring you down and make you very unhappy. Toxic people can be so ugly that they would enjoy seeing you fall. Every time you try to talk to them about their behaviour, they react negatively and try to manipulate you emotionally. You thus risk provoking a deeper conflict when you say how you feel. So, instead, you choose to hide your feelings and avoid conflict entirely. If this situation isn’t resolved, you can develop a lack of trust in yourself and others. It can negatively impact your mental health as well if you are in this situation for too long.

Do not hesitate to seek help if you feel overwhelmed by the toxic environment in your own family. The constant negativity can affect your inner peace and it can be a good idea to request support and advice from those outside the family. Muster up the courage to get some help. Get advice from friends or family members of friends regarding what you are going through with your own family. Talk to your teachers or mentors about any difficulties you are experiencing. Ask your school counsellors or the counselling centre in your community for assistance. You can also learn to cope and assert yourself with the help of a therapist.

Dr Ora Marx