First, let’s define a toxic relationship. A toxic relationship exhibits negative behaviors such as:
Poor communication styles: yelling, passive aggressive, silent treatment
Dishonesty
Manipulation
Control
Possessiveness
Lack of accountability for actions
Put-downs
Trying to make someone believe there is something wrong with them
These behaviors can leave one feeling emotionally drained, helpless and confused. A toxic relationship does not support your well-being. It creates a stressful environment that strains one’s mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression. The chronic stress caused by toxic relationships can also impact physical health, resulting in serious consequences.
Chronic Stress Affects the Body
How our bodies respond to stress is managed by the endocrine system which is a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones deliver messages to all parts of the body, telling it what to do and when to do it.
Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles and helps keep down inflammation. It is often referred to as the stress hormone, because one of its functions is to help the body to manage a stress response. During a stress response, the body releases adrenaline, the fight or flight hormone. Cortisol follows to help give the body energy during this short, high-alert state. This kind of stress response is meant to help an individual get away from or face danger. The body is not meant to sustain this fight or flight response.
Experiencing chronic stress due to a toxic relationship can keep our bodies in this high-alert state, causing cortisol levels to remain high. Instead of helping control inflammation, chronically high levels of cortisol creates inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation and Disease
According to The Institute of Functional Medicine, stress and inflammation can be a contributing factor to 75-90% of human diseases. The following are a few diseases that are linked to inflammation:
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
High Blood Pressure, also called hypertension
Atherosclerosis which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries
Fibromyalgia which is a disorder that causes widespread pain
Cancer
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stroke
Chronic inflammation damages healthy cells and tissues. Over time, this can damage organs and lead to disease.
Summary
The link between toxic relationships, chronic stress, cortisol and inflammation is undeniable. If someone believes they are in such a relationship, they can reach out to a friend, family member, or healthcare/mental health professional for support. The following stress management techniques can help lower cortisol levels:
Exercise
Journaling
Meditation
Therapy
Learning healthy communication styles
Spending time with those who are uplifting
Get enough sleep
Leaving the toxic relationship or minimizing contact (such as in a co-parenting situation where no-contact isn’t reasonable) may be the solution to help improve one’s health.
Resources:
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board