Dealing with a toxic family member can be incredibly draining. You’re trying to protect your mental health, but they keep hurting you. Maybe you wish you could change their hurtful behavior. The person could be insulting you or even be abusive. You may feel like it’s your fault that you’re being treated this way. It’s important to remember that you didn’t do anything wrong here. The individual’s toxicity has to do with their issues. Here are some ways you can deal with a toxic family member while preserving your mental health.
Boundaries boundaries boundaries
When dealing with a toxic family member, it’s crucial to set boundaries. You don’t have to take their abuse. You know what your limits are, and it’s healthy to enforce them. Notice if your family member is violating these boundaries. If you’re not sure what your limits are, it’s worth taking some time to find out. It’s crucial to your mental health to understand what your triggers are. That way, you can develop boundaries that work for you. When you notice that a family member is triggering you, then you can take action. You may call them out on violating your boundaries. Let them know that you will not tolerate being treated in a disrespectful way. Sticking up to a toxic family member may catch the person off guard. Understand that their behavior may get worse. Just because you set a limit doesn’t mean that you did something wrong. You’re protecting yourself from their abusive behavior, and that’s a good thing. Practicing boundaries with somebody who is toxic can prepare you to set limits with other people in your life. All around, setting limits is a positive move.
Limited contact
As much as you love your family, sometimes you need a break from them, especially if they’re toxic. You don’t have to engage with a cruel person all the time. If you find that being around your toxic family member makes you feel bad, you can try having limited contact with that person. There are some instances where you cannot control how much you see this person. That’s unfortunate, but it’s not hopeless. In these cases, make sure that you keep your interactions brief. Try not to talk to them if possible. If you do have to speak to them, remember your boundaries during the conversation. Stay grounded in who you are, and don’t let them cross your boundaries.
No contact
There are circumstances where the toxic family member is so cruel that it’s necessary to have no contact with them. It might sound harsh, but there are instances where cutting ties can improve your quality of life. Having no contact could mean blocking them on social media platforms or avoiding events where you have to see them. That doesn’t make you weak; it means you are strong and know your limits. If you get to the point where you have no contact with a toxic family member, don’t blame yourself. You are protecting your mental health against an abusive person. That’s a form of self-care. There’s nothing wrong with nurturing yourself because that is what you’re doing when you cut off contact with that person. It doesn’t matter if they are blood-related to you; if they are treating you in a way that is subpar or abusive, you don’t have to be around them. If you’re having trouble cutting off contact with your toxic family member, you can discuss this with a close friend or a mental health professional and see what is preventing you from cutting them off.
Family therapy
Family therapy is a safe place to discuss a variety of issues, which include toxic family dynamics. A family therapist is skilled at mediating conflicts. If there is abuse involved, a therapist can pinpoint it and discuss the treatment plan. Toxic family members are treating you in a disrespectful manner. You don’t have to tolerate that treatment, and a counselor can advocate for you. You can bring these issues up with a family therapist. Sometimes a toxic family member doesn’t realize that they are mean to others. You can ask the person if they want to go to family therapy. You can also inquire if they would like to see your individual therapist with you. Even if they come in for a couple of sessions, it can help both of you. Sometimes family members are open to talking things through, and that can be a way for you to express your feelings in front of somebody who is impartial. A therapist is an objective person who wants to help. Family therapy can help you navigate these issues.
Online counseling
Telehealth or online counseling is a great place to talk about toxic family members and get clarity. An online counselor has your best interest at heart. They don’t want to see you involved in a toxic family dynamic. Your online counselor can give you guidance as to how to set boundaries. An online mental health professional can explore the history of your family dynamics and see why they are toxic. Your online counselor is on your side. If you’re curious about different mental health issues, you can also visit Mind Diagnostics and get a sense of what issues concern you the most. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you’re suffering from a toxic family member. You deserve to be in relationships where you were being treated with respect.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.