There are many different parenting styles one can use. Some parents end up being toxic parents, even if they didn't mean to be that type of parent. If you grew up in a toxic family or household, you may grow up to be anxious, depressed, avoidant, fearful, or closed off. All of these things can lead to more toxic relationships, a more difficult future, or even being distant from everyone and anyone. There are many other side effects of growing up in a toxic family or household, but here are ten side effects from psychologists.
1. Fear of manipulation
2. Struggle with who you are, your self identity
Low self esteem, negativity towards yourself.
3. You develop trust issues
4. You have a hard time with social interactions
5. Anxiety
Those who experience life in a toxic household have a greater risk of being diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.
6. Emotional Cutoff
When you grow up in toxic households, to deal with that trauma, you go through emotional cutoff or estrangement from family members once you are able to financially support yourself and move away.
7. You blame yourself for everything
8. You develop more health problems
9. You have a hard time saying "no" to people
10. You develop different attachment styles
Insecure, avoidant.
I grew up in a dysfunctional, toxic environment in my household. I didn't realize it until much later in life when I took psychology classes and when people would hear about my home life and things like that.
Looking back and reflecting, I definitely have developed all ten of these side effects. Sometimes it makes life hard for me but overall, it has shaped who I am as a person and what I want to become in the future.
Don't let anyone make you feel manipulated, scared, anxious, nervous, etc. It isn't good for your mental health or your self-esteem. Don't let them walk all over you either.
Don't be afraid to talk about your problems or your home life. It's healthy to discuss those things with someone, even if you think they won't understand or want to listen.
You never know what another person is going through or has been through. Don't just assume because of how they act, they haven't been through things. People could be the happiest person ever and be smiling all the time, but still go home and be depressed and dealing with trauma or abuse.
Be kind to others. Treat them equal. If you have been through any of these toxic relationships and environments, you'd want people to be nice to you and not treat you different.
