In some cases, toxic behavior may stem from underlying psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder. People with these conditions may engage in toxic behavior as a way to cope with their own emotional struggles.
Their behavior is typically unpleasant or malicious toward others. These behaviors may manifest from underlying feelings of low self-esteem and mental health conditions such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), childhood trauma, or other deeply rooted personal issues.
Toxic people care mostly about themselves. They don't think about how their actions affect others and believe they are better than everyone else. Someone who is self-centered is focused on getting what they want and is unlikely to compromise or consider another person's point of view. Difficulty with anger management.
Toxic relationships can severely affect mental health, often leading to a decline in self-esteem, energy levels, and overall happiness. Constant exposure to toxicity can generate feelings of insecurity, as victims frequently question themselves and navigate the relationship with caution.
Individuals in toxic relationships are at an increased risk of developing: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Depression. Anxiety disorders.
People with toxic traits know they have them
But many people with toxic traits don't realize that their behavior impacts others. You may have toxic traits that you don't know about. Some toxic traits, like absolutism, manifest subtly.
Toxic relationships create mental strain and stress, and even all out health problems. Our emotions and nervous systems can only handle so much. This study found that toxic relationships increased anxiety and stress disorders, while health relationships decreased anxiety and stress disorders.
A toxic person is deft at deflecting blame or responsibility. A toxic person can prey on both the goodwill or fear of others. A toxic person is adept at “gaslighting,” making someone else feel they are dysfunctional.
Toxic people have harmful behaviors that can have lasting impacts on those around them. They are often self-centered, manipulative, abusive, and lacking in empathy. They may be referred to as narcissistic, selfish, or sociopathic.
They Set Limits (Especially with Complainers)
You can avoid this only by setting limits and distancing yourself when necessary. Think of it this way: if the complainer were smoking, would you sit there all afternoon inhaling the second-hand smoke? You'd distance yourself, and you should do the same with complainers.
Which Mental Health Disorders Are Linked to Toxic Personalities? People with narcissistic, borderline and antisocial personality styles often display toxic traits, while "toxic patterns" may also be seen in those with untreated substance use problems, according to Durvasula.
However, it is how you deal with conflict that can potentially be problematic. Research has uncovered four toxic behaviours that can get in the way of communication and derail collaborative relationships if left unchecked. The four behaviours are Blaming, Contempt, Defensiveness and Stonewalling.
On the other hand, some people with toxic traits may behave poorly because of past trauma, a dysfunctional family life, or substance use. A person's inability to process stress and grief can sometimes transform into toxicity towards others.
Antisocial personality disorder or sociopathy refers to individuals who will not realize the rights and wrongs of their action and the ability to neglect others emotionally. People with this disorder may not feel that they are doing anything wrong and therefore feel free to manipulate others.
Toxic People, for the Most Part, Are Narcissists
One reason a toxic person might be manipulative is that he or she is, deep down, a full-blown narcissist. In fact, that's why there's a psychological diagnosis of narcissism. People with narcissistic tendencies are more than simply selfish every once in a while.
Toxicity in people isn't considered a mental disorder. But there could be underlying mental problems that cause someone to act in toxic ways, including a personality disorder.
He explains: “There are many factors that contribute to a toxic personality, including a compulsive need to display their worth to others, but mainly out of a lack of deep-rooted self- esteem. This is usually a culmination of a lack of ethical and emotional development throughout their lives.”
Some conditions may play a role in a lack of empathy such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Toxic people are controlling, manipulative, and emotionally abusive. A narcissist will use gaslighting to make you feel confused and insecure. They will use every opportunity to shame you and isolate you from other people. Also, a narcissist will always play a victim and make you feel guilty.
A toxic relationship refers to a detrimental and unhealthy connection characterized by behaviors that undermine one's well-being, such as emotional manipulation, disrespect, control, and a lack of support.
But the inner peace you exude is attractive to the toxic person who's eager to disrupt the peace. They may misinterpret your apparent pacifism and conclude that you're an easy target for their controlling ways. And in your weaker moments you may find yourself saying yes to them more often than you might realize.
The root cause of such toxic behaviors in relationships is a lack of empathy. Refusing to understand each other's feelings, demanding that your partner lives up to your expectations, and making them feel guilty for not doing so is caused by a lack of empathy.
Many people are addicted to toxic relationships because of various factors like codependency, insecurity, or trauma bonds.
The effects of toxic people on physical health are also significant. People who are exposed to toxic behavior are at a higher risk for developing stress-related physical health problems such as headaches, digestive problems, and chronic fatigue.