The psychologist named the main signs of toxic relationships in the family

Pressure, guilt, and systemic devaluation on the part of loved ones may indicate not ordinary family conflicts, but toxic relationships that destroy mental health. Clinical psychologist Ksenia Savelyeva told Izvestia about this.

According to the expert, the key difference between toxicity lies in its chronic nature and the consequences for a person's emotional state.

"An ordinary conflict is an episode that has a resolution and does not undermine the foundation of a relationship. A toxic relationship is the system itself, destructive and repetitive," she explained.

The psychologist noted that the alarming signal is the regular devaluation of feelings and decisions, emotional blackmail, violation of personal boundaries and lack of empathy.

"The main subjective indicator is your condition after contact. If you consistently feel empty, depressed or anxious after communication, this is a sure sign of destructive interaction," Savelieva emphasized.

The expert noted that guilt often prevents people from distancing themselves from relatives, even when the relationship is harmful.

"This is not a weakness, but a consequence of deep psychological mechanisms and rigid family attitudes like "family is sacred" or "you have to," the psychologist explained.

Long-term patience with toxic relationships can lead to anxiety and depression, emotional burnout, decreased self-esteem, and even psychosomatic disorders.

"Constant stress depletes the nervous system and creates a feeling of helplessness," Savelieva said.

At the same time, the specialist emphasized that temporary or permanent distance in some cases is a healthy and necessary solution.

"When a relationship poses a direct threat to mental or physical health, distancing is not cruelty, but an act of self—preservation," the psychologist concluded. Read more in the Izvestia article.

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