Establish clear boundaries: Set clear boundaries around what you are willing to do for your sibling and what you expect from them. Be consistent in enforcing these boundaries. Seek outside help: If necessary, seek outside help from a therapist or counselor.
Toxic siblings will often take advantage of you. They might exploit you emotionally. For example, they could manipulate you into serving their own psychological needs. They could be counting on your assistance with whatever and whatever.
Codependency can develop between an individual who struggles with substance use and a close family member, such as a spouse, sibling or parent. The dysfunctional behavior begins in response to the family member experiencing fear or panic as they witness the effects of their loved one's substance use.
However, if you've been patient and kind, and her toxic traits are still prevailing over treating you with respect, it's absolutely okay to cut off a family member displaying these toxic traits. You may feel an obligation to help your sister out financially, but your efforts should at least be acknowledged by her.
In some cases, cutting ties with a sibling you're fighting with may be the best path forward, particularly if it's necessary to safeguard your own mental, physical, or emotional health. “When or how a person might know it's time to cut ties completely depends on the individual situation and comfort level.
"If a family member is not capable of curtailing their negative interactions with you or your children after you have asked them to do so, and it is clear your children are not benefiting in some way from that relationship, then there is no point to continue to maintain a hurtful relationship," says Dr. Halpern.
Avoid visiting them, talking to them on the phone, or attending family gatherings where they're present. Notice how you feel when your relative isn't an active part of your life.
What are the types of unhealthy sibling relationships?
Some potential toxic siblings' relationship dynamics are 1) The Golden Child and the Black Sheep, 2) The Mature One and the Eternal Child, and 3) The Bully and the Silenced One.
A history of emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a sibling can be traumatizing, especially if they haven't made amends or if the hurt sibling hasn't been able to forgive. Sibling rivalries — sometimes sparked by one feeling jealous of or threatened by the other's success — also can drive a wedge.
Sibling alienation occurs when one adult sibling wants to push aside another. While sibling alienation can occur at any point, one sibling may be especially tempted to alienate another in order to gain control of care-taking or inheritance outcomes with aging parents.
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.
Codependency is a trait rather than a personality disorder. It describes an unhealthy relationship in which one partner relies heavily on another to bolster their self-worth. It can affect people with mental health conditions but is not a mental disorder.
