Survivalist Pro
Photo by George Dolgikh Pexels Logo Photo: George Dolgikh

How do you know if you grew up in a toxic household?

Feelings of extreme anxiety, low self-esteem, worthlessness, difficulty trusting others, maintaining close relationships, or feeling worn out after a visit with your family are all signs you grew up in a toxic family.

What did NASA see underneath the ocean?
What did NASA see underneath the ocean?

To their amazement, the scientists discovered vibrant ecosystems around the vents, teeming with marine organisms, such as translucent snailfish and...

Read More »
What is the darkest movie ever?
What is the darkest movie ever?

Se7en (1995) Video via YouTube. We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) Video via YouTube. ... The Exorcist (1973) Video via YouTube. ... The Human...

Read More »

Psychological trauma is not always a result of growing up in a toxic family environment, although it can be a contributing factor. A child can experience a car accident resulting in a parent’s death which may cause psychological trauma. On the other hand, someone can grow up in a dysfunctional family, which can do extreme damage and have a lasting impact on their life.

What is a Toxic Family?

Every family has moments of discord when they argue or situations when they unintentionally hurt each other. Some families have a history of conflict or friction during every encounter, leaving family members worn out and frazzled when they are together. If you become the worst version of yourself around your family, you may have been raised in a toxic environment. A parent’s love should be unconditional, but you may have been given ultimatums that if you don’t do something or act a certain way, you won’t be part of the family. You and a sibling can be completely different people and that should be celebrated. But in a toxic family, the constant comparison can leave you feeling attacked and insecure.

Signs of a Toxic Family

The Parents Overreact When a parent is upset over a family heirloom being broken, it may be justified. But if a parent gets upset over small, seemingly unimportant things all the time, this causes feelings of anxiety and fear. A child never knows when they will get yelled at or what type of behavior is inappropriate since a parent act irrationally and inconsistent over many different things. You Feel Anxious Many children who grow up in a toxic environment are diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This comes from a lack of security, an unstable environment, or mental and physical mistreatment. Some signs your family is toxic include feeling worried, tense, irritable, or restless. It is difficult to have lasting relationships due to a lack of trust in others or their own low esteem. You Criticize Yourself The constant demeaning from a destructive parent or sibling causes a child to feel unworthy or undeserving. These signs of a toxic family show up in adulthood when they start criticizing themselves, second-guessing their choices, and hesitating when making decisions. This is difficult to change because they truly feel they are worse than others and have no mental or emotional support to teach them otherwise. They Drain Your Energy Toxic parents and siblings can leave a child feeling defeated because of their own neediness and the tendency they have to be high maintenance. This can leave a child or an adult drained of any extra energy.

How to Overcome a Toxic Family and When to Get Help

Why is it rude to finish your food in China?
Why is it rude to finish your food in China?

Always leave food on your plate in China. Finishing your plate when dining at someone's home in China suggests the food wasn't filling enough, and...

Read More »
What are the disadvantages of LifeStraw?
What are the disadvantages of LifeStraw?

The major disadvantages of LifeStraw tend to circulate around the fact that it cannot be used in groups (as it's a personal filter straw), and it's...

Read More »

One of the most helpful ways you can change your behavior around your toxic family is to set boundaries. As an adult, you’re not obligated to be with your family all the time. You can decide what works best for you and set limits on the amount of time you visit, where you meet, or what you will discuss with them. Some people remove themselves completely, but others learn to not react, or they learn not to take responsibility for someone else’s feelings, wants, or needs. They talk about neutral topics and avoid reacting to negative comments to show they are disengaged. When a toxic parent or sibling is unable to trigger a rise out of you, they will usually stop the harassment. But if they don’t, you can always leave and avoid the situation. Feelings of extreme anxiety, low self-esteem, worthlessness, difficulty trusting others, maintaining close relationships, or feeling worn out after a visit with your family are all signs you grew up in a toxic family. Talking with supportive friends, maintaining positive relationships, taking care of your body by eating, sleeping, and staying hydrated are some ways to help yourself. If the negative feelings become overwhelming and the psychological trauma has been severe, this is the time to reach out for professional help. There are people who are trained to work with this type of trauma and can help relieve the signs associated with a toxic family. Getting started with treatment for psychological trauma is easy and just a phone call away. At San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, aiding those who are experiencing mental health challenges from trauma is our specialty. We understand your unique needs and can develop a customized program for you. Contact us today to learn more about our psychological trauma treatment options.

What does Brita not remove?
What does Brita not remove?

For example, the Brita water filter pitcher uses a coconut-based activated carbon filter that removes chlorine, zinc, copper, cadmium and mercury....

Read More »
Do oxygen absorbers really work?
Do oxygen absorbers really work?

When packaged properly (i.e., an appropriately sized oxygen absorber inside of a high oxygen barrier can or bag), the oxygen level in the...

Read More »
What makes a person of good character?
What makes a person of good character?

A person with “good character” acts, thinks, and feels in a way that matches some commonly accepted “good” traits, like being honest, respectful,...

Read More »
Can PS4 get Red Ring of Death?
Can PS4 get Red Ring of Death?

The primary cause of the PS4's red light of death is an overheating console. The very first thing you should do is check your warranty, and try and...

Read More »