How to handle toxic people and protect your mental health
Toxic people won’t avoid you; it is totally up to you to avoid them.
If toxic relationships, draining jobs, or challenging colleagues have been impacting your mental well-being, it's time to liberate yourself and take back control of your happiness.
And there is only one way to achieve this: self-love.
But what does self-love truly mean?
Boundaries
Self-care
Letting go.
Let’s explore each of them in detail.
1. Set Clear Boundaries.
Fortify your mental castle.
Without boundaries, you’re completely vulnerable. Anyone can invade your mental castle and sow toxic seeds (attitude, behavior, thoughts, emotions, information).
According to Dr. Allison Niebes-Davis, a licensed clinical psychologist, boundaries are limits that you set to protect yourself.
It simply means clearly defining what behaviours you won't tolerate and assertively saying "NO" to harmful actions or requests.
Sometimes, all toxic people need to realise is that you’re aware of your self-worth and you love yourself.
Here are 11 practical ways to set healthy boundaries (physical, emotional, or behavioural):
Avoid discussions that lead to arguments/conflicts.
Don’t engage in gossip or negative talk about others.
Limit your interactions with toxic people. You can't change a toxic person by continuously giving them your time and energy.
Protect your personal space; don’t let them touch you without consent.
Stand up against any physical or verbal abuse.
Say ‘no’ to invitations that go against your values.
Respectfully decline requests for favours you're uncomfortable with or that are outside your capacity.
Avoid events where the toxic person will be for your safety and inner peace.
Request respectful and calm communication; stop talking if it turns aggressive or disrespectful.
Block them on social media to stop online stalking or harassment.
Enforce consequences for crossing boundaries, like cutting off contact or ending the relationship.
Tip 💡: Express your feelings and needs assertively with "I" statements, like "I feel uncomfortable when you speak to me in that tone" or "I need personal space and would appreciate your respect."
2. Practice Self-care; Make it a Priority!
Do things that make you happy, fulfilled, and help you unwind.
Having a self-care routine has been clinically proven to impact well-being positively.
Try these 6 positive activities today:
Journaling: Write your thoughts and feelings. It helps you process them, gain clarity, and release negativity.
Boost your creative spirit: Paint, draw, write, dance, sing, play an instrument, or engage in any art you enjoy.
Surround yourself with positive, caring, and supportive people who uplift your spirit.
Take breaks from social media: Disconnect from negativity, recharge, connect with nature, and relax regularly.
Research has shown that mindfulness benefits mental health. Practices like deep breathing, guided meditation, or yoga can help manage stress, anxiety, and the impact of toxic interactions.
Seek professional support, such as therapy or counselling, for expert guidance and support.