Going "no contact" with family members or friends, and its implications on Mental Health

In recent therapy sessions, more people have been discussing cutting off familial ties, or relationships that they deem toxic in order to maintain their sanity.

A recent study from Cornell University found that 27% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member.

Going "no contact" can be seen as a protective shield from toxicity. It involves cutting off direct or indirect communication or interaction with someone.

Going "No contact."

Going solo on the beach

Walking away from a toxic relationship

Going "no contact" is a decision that should not be taken lightly

Toxic relationships that impact mental health

After the recent results of the November Presidential election, some people went online and drove the message of betrayal because members of their family and friends voted against their own political party. These people decided that they will be going "no contact" with family members and friends.

When a person no longer has any meaningful, uplifting, nurturing, or positively impactful presence in your life, or is negatively impacting your life, it's time to let them loose for the sake of your mental health.

Additionally, when there is consistent emotional, mental, or even physical pain in that relationship caused by the other person, there may be no benefit nurturing that relationship.

What to keep in mind when you go "no contact."

• You will be able to escape whatever abuse you may be going through within this relationship. It may be hard at first, but with time, it could get easy.

• You may be able to thrive better without this person in your life.

• You are now protecting your peace and placing yourself first.

• You are deciding that an end has come to this abuse.

But.....

• You might lose relationships that are close to that contact, including friends who communicate with this person. Family gatherings may also become awkward and uncomfortable.

• You might be blamed for the state of the relationship.

• You might have doubts if you made the right choice.

• You could end up feeling lonely.

  
  

Going "no contact" may not necessarily heal the wounds you have, but it's a start. You may need time to process all the trauma.

Toxic relationships that impact mental health can cause you to- lose sleep, isolate yourself, or try to overcompensate in social behaviors that you would not ordinarily participate in. Additionally, toxic relationships can lead to self destructive behaviors with alcohol or substance abuse, or decrease in self care.

Boundaries

It is important to maintain boundaries in this "no contact" zone. Do not allow the family member or friend to talk you into changing your mind. You may have to block them if need be. Give yourself permission to process your pain and heal.

If it helps, have your feelings validated by someone that you trust.

Have you found yourself in a similar position? If so, leave a comment. Let us know how you dealt with it.