Being in a relationship with someone means a strong commitment and a level of trust you cannot gain in others, sometimes even family. While we can hope for a good relationship and even work towards it, sometimes they can turn toxic and cause a lot of damage to our self-esteem and mental health. According to 2021-22 Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 4.2 million people aged 18 and above have experienced violence, emotional abuse or abuse. 17% women and 5.5% men have experience partner violence, 23% women and 14% men have experienced emotional abuse and 16% women, and 7.8% men have experienced economic abuse from their partnersSometimes these relationships can become really normalised for people, some do not even believe they are in an abusive relationship unless they experience the drastic effects of it. A toxic relationship could be among anyone, parent and child, romantic partners, friends even work relationships. It is a relationship where you are not respected or supported. There are also other aspects like constant fights, demeaning behavior, abuse, name calling etc. No matter who it is, a toxic relationship can hurt your feelings and your body in the long run. There are many negative consequences of being in a toxic relationship.Impact of Toxic Relationships On Mental HealthToxic relationships significantly impact mental and emotional well-being, increasing the risk of depression through constant feelings of rejection and threat. The National Legal Service UK explains people who have been in toxic relationships unconsciously seek out similar relationships in the future and repeat the harmful patterns. The worrisome nature of such relationships causes people to normalize abusive behaviors. They makes them ignore clear signs of abuse and make their mental health worse. Manipulation and a lack of acceptance picks away at the self-esteem and confidence of the victim, leading to feelings of inadequacy. The emotional burden of perpetually worrying about a partner's problems results in profound exhaustion. Physical Impact From Being In A Toxic Relationship High Blood PressureConstant relationship stress elevates blood pressure, particularly in men. Ongoing negativity triggers physiological responses that contribute to long-term hypertension, impacting cardiovascular health.Chronic StressToxic relationships induce persistent stress, disrupting mental and physical health. This constant strain weakens the immune system, interferes with thyroid function, and destabilizes mood, leading to various health issues.InflammationFrequent conflict activates the body's "fight or flight" response, causing chronic inflammation. This prolonged state of readiness damages the body, increasing the risk of severe health complications over time.Heart HealthOngoing stress from unhealthy relationships negatively affects heart health. Conversely, positive, supportive relationships promote cardiovascular well-being, reducing the risk of heart-related problems.Weight GainUnhappiness in a relationship can lead to weight gain. Emotional distress from relationship problems distracts from healthy eating and exercise routines, contributing to unhealthy weight fluctuations.Weakened Immune SystemPersistent stress from toxic relationships compromises the immune system's efficacy. The body's ability to fight off infections is diminished, increasing susceptibility to various illnesses.Worsened Chronic IllnessFor those with chronic conditions, relationship conflict exacerbates symptoms. The added stress from fighting intensifies pain and discomfort, worsening the overall impact of existing illnesses.