Toxicity Is Harmful

Written by: Ushasi Dey 

Edited by: Yashi Shah

           SIGNS OF A TOXIC ENVIRONMENT

Being happy and healthy can be extremely difficult when you’re in a toxic environment. A toxic environment can be a result of anything from an unhealthy relationship or a negative work environment to self-esteem issues or a lack of self-care. Whatever the cause, toxicity is hard to cope with. It can sometimes be hard to recognize a toxic environment when you’re in one, and even harder to remove yourself from that environment or change it to be a positive and non-toxic one. A toxic environment is any place or any behavior that causes harm to your health, happiness, and wellbeing. If you’re around people who make you feel small, insecure, or bad about yourself, you might be in a toxic environment. If you feel a physical weight every time you walk into your place of work, you might be in a toxic environment. 

Mental and emotional stresses often result in a physical response. Physical bodily responses like these are often directly linked to a mental or emotional cause. Your overall health, sex life, and risk for drug and alcohol abuse are all on the line when you prolong your exposure to a toxic environment or relationship. A toxic environment can even be detrimental to your intimate relationships. Depression and anxiety are among the top 10 causes of sexual dysfunction for men. Affected women may experience anorgasmia or be unable to experience arousal. The stresses of a toxic life can even lead someone to turn to drugs or alcohol to treat emotional, mental, and physical issues resulting from the toxic lifestyle or relationship. Around 22% of mental health cases also have associated substance abuse problems; it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not putting yourself in an environment or relationship that adds stress and other negativity to your life.

FEW SIGNS OF A TOXIC ENVIRONMENT INCLUDE:

1. BAD COMMUNICATION.

2. YOU FEEL INVISIBLE & PRESSURED.

3. YOU FEEL CONTROLLED.

4. YOU FEEL UNHAPPY.

5. PATTERNS OF DISRESPECT, CHEATIN, AND LYING IN A RELATIONSHIP.

6. LACK OF SUPPORT.

7. LACK OF SELF-CARE.

8. CONSTANTLY WALKING ON EGG-SHELLS.

Toxic environments can be detrimental to your health in areas from your happiness and energy level to your sex life and risk of substance abuse, but if you can recognize a toxic environment for what it is, you can likely get yourself out of it and live a happy, healthy life.