Shielding Your Spirit: Protecting Ourselves from Toxicity
- Herman Veitch
- Dec 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Toxic relationships can drain our energy, erode our self-esteem, and leave us feeling emotionally battered. Recognising the signs of toxicity and developing strategies for protecting ourselves is crucial for our well-being and for fostering healthy connections.
Recognizing the Signs of Toxic Relationships:
Toxic relationships are characterised by patterns of behaviour that are emotionally damaging and often manipulative. Some common signs include:
Constant criticism and negativity: A toxic person may consistently criticise you, put you down, or make you feel inadequate.
Controlling behaviour: They may try to control your actions, your relationships, or your finances.
Lack of empathy: They may be unable to understand or care about your feelings.
Manipulation and gaslighting: They may manipulate you into doubting your own perceptions or sanity.
Disrespectful communication: They may yell at you, name-call you, or use other forms of disrespectful communication.
Boundary violations: They may consistently cross your boundaries and disregard your needs.
Jealousy and possessiveness: They may exhibit excessive jealousy or possessiveness, trying to isolate you from friends and family.
Blame-shifting: They may blame you for their own behaviour or for problems in the relationship.
Developing Strategies for Setting Limits and Protecting Ourselves:
Acknowledge the toxicity: The first step is to acknowledge that the relationship is toxic and that it is affecting your well-being.
Set clear boundaries: Clearly define what you will and will not accept in the relationship. Communicate your boundaries assertively and respectfully.
Limit contact: If possible, limit your contact with the toxic person. This may involve reducing the amount of time you spend with them or even ending the relationship altogether.
Practice self-care: Prioritise activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge.
Build a support system: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who believe in you and encourage your growth.
Seeking Support and Guidance When Dealing with Difficult Relationships:
Talk to a trusted friend or family member: Sharing your experiences with someone you trust can provide emotional support and perspective.
Seek professional help: A therapist or counsellor can provide guidance and support in navigating toxic relationships and developing coping strategies.
Join a support group: Connecting with others who have experienced similar situations can be incredibly validating and empowering.
Protecting ourselves from toxicity is an act of self-preservation. It's about recognising our worth, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritising our well-being. While it can be challenging to navigate toxic relationships, taking these steps can help us shield our spirit and create space for healthy and fulfilling connections.
Want to learn more about protecting yourself from toxicity and building healthy relationships? Check out my book, "Getting Up Again, and Other Stories We Tell Ourselves About Being Strong," and explore my transformative course for valuable insights and practical exercises.
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