A toxic relationship is a very slow way to die an early death not caused by God but by our ignorance.
If not, why will someone endure abuse, both physically and emotionally?. The trauma that comes with being in a toxic relationship is dire. That is why we have so many damaged ladies and gentlemen moving about free and causing more damage.
I am going to tell the story of my friend who was in a toxic relationship until God saved her. It wasn't us anymore.
Amina met Andrew at a church program where she officiated as an usher, and Andrew was just a first-timer. He was charismatic, confident, and captivating.
After service, Andrew and Amina got talking, and one thing led to another, Amina and Andrew started dating.
At first, Andrew was attentive and affectionate. He will always surprise her, sometimes he will buy lunch and bring it to her office.
He will pick her up from work and drop her at home. But suddenly he started changing,
First, he doesn't want to see her talking to any guy. He was pushing his insecurities on her.
Then, if he texts her and she doesn't respond immediately, oh, she must be with another man.
From that, he started complaining about her outfit because his friend complimented her that she looked beautiful in the clothes.
He takes offense and thinks that her clothes are too revealing; look at how everybody is looking at her like she is a prostitute.
He looks for every opportunity to criticize her. He stops her from having friends, and he nags just about everything. He belittle her ambitions. he would often tell her apart from being beautiful, don't worry, your head is empty. You can't succeed in anything.
He could make it sound as if his encouraging her but no, he was killing her slowly
The funny thing is that everything he doesn't want Amina to do, he does it.
She was losing her self-esteem, her confidence, her friends, and good colleagues because she was trying to please a man
One night, Andrew's verbal abuse turned physical. Amina realized she had to escape.
She got a job at another company outside the state, and without telling him, she quickly relocated. Cause he started threatening her. If not for a few friends who kept telling her to leave, she would have died there; she was even defending him at some point. They let her see that what she is experiencing is no longer love, but abuses
It was a difficult journey, but Sophia broke free. She rediscovered her passions, rebuilt her self-esteem, and found happiness.
The effect of this toxic relationship that Sophia faces is that.
She doesn't trust anybody anymore for fear of being manipulated.
Sometimes, she still doubts whether what Andrew says about her is true, especially when she makes some decisions that don't turn out right.
She still carries over her hurt to other relationships that she has gotten into; even when the person is not controlling, she feels his control.
Depression and anxiety became the order of the day.
Here are some effects of a toxic relationship, it can be far-reaching and devastating.
Emotional Effects:
- Anxiety and depression
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Fear, or panic attacks
- Emotional numbness or dissociation
- Mood swings and irritability
- Loss of identity and autonomy
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Difficulty trusting others
Mental Health Effects:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex Trauma
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Physical Effects:
- Chronic stress and fatigue
*. Sleep disturbances or insomnia - Headaches, migraines, or chronic pain
- Weakened immune system, for someone that was beaten, starved
- Weight loss
Relationship Effects:
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Attracting abusive or toxic partners
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Social isolation or loneliness
- Difficulty with intimacy or trust
Career and Financial Effects:
- Decreased productivity and performance
- Absenteeism or tardiness
- Financial dependence on the abuser
- Difficulty pursuing education or career goals
- Loss of job or career opportunities
Long-Term Effects:
- Emotional scars and trauma
- Increased risk of future abuse
- Difficulty with emotional regulation
- Strained relationships with children or future partners
- Persistent feelings of shame or guilt
Breaking Free:
- Seek support from trusted friends, family, or therapy
- Prioritize self-care and self-love
- Set boundaries and assert your needs
Don't die in silence, there are still people who love you wholeheartedly
This is my entry to the #inleo monthly prompt October Day 24. You can be a part of it by clicking on the link
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