Toxic parents are something we see innumerable times in memes and funny videos. From the infamous chappal to parents not communicating properly with their kids, controlling their kids even if they are full adults with their own lives there are so many things related to toxic parenting in today’s time.
Yes, we laugh over videos of the utter fear one goes through when they see their mother’s missed call or Indian/Desi parents and their absolute inability to apologise even if they are in the wrong.
But it is also important to realise that beyond the laughter these are serious issues that leave many of us with lasting scars on our lives and mental health.
Over time several studies and research have proven how much damage toxic parenting can do to an individual and the resulting mental health disorders it can lead to.
Here are a few ways on how one can deal with a toxic parent or family member:
Read More: Breakfast Babble: Why I Find It So Difficult To Open Up To My Parents
Dr ShubhKarman Singh Saini, MD Psychiatrist, De-Addiction Expert and Sexologist at Manjeet Saini Hospital, Jalandhar was quoted in a September 2024 report by Hindustan Times saying, “Children raised by toxic parents are exposed to constant emotional, psychological or physical abuse, which leads to symptoms of chronic anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, etc.
These children often start to feel worthless, tend to overthink, perceive normal actions as negative and sometimes withdraw themselves socially. Constant physical abuse at home can also lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a child, which starts showing its effect in late adolescence.
These children often have underdeveloped coping mechanisms where it becomes very difficult for them to face any stressful situation, and they give up very easily.”
Dr ShubhKarman also talked about how toxic parenting can lead to an individual finding it difficult to establish and maintain relations and might struggle with trust issues and feelings of being misunderstood.
The constant trauma of toxic parenting can also lead to a decrease in motivation and an inability to focus and concentrate on things which is also seen to impact the child’s academic performance.
The task of setting boundaries with the elders is quite difficult even for the younger generations. However, where the older generations would be shut down under the garb of being respectful to elders or keeping the family peaceful, the youngsters would no longer abide by those rules.
Dr Gorav Gupta, Gurugram-based psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoneeds (a mental health start-up), spoke with India Today in 2024: “In the Indian family setup, loyalty and maintaining relationships are deeply valued, often regardless of the treatment one receives.
However, the younger generation increasingly challenges this notion, driven by a growing awareness of mental health and personal well-being. They recognise that enduring toxic behaviour is detrimental and choose self-preservation over traditional obligations.”
Dr Kriti Anand, consultant, psychiatry, Paras Health, Panchkula, also believes that the younger generation becoming financially and socially independent helps them to put their mental health above social constructs.
Dr Sukriti Rex, lead psychologist and researcher at Evolve (a health-tech startup) also encourages cutting off toxic relatives if setting boundaries itself is not working.
She said, “Cutting off toxic relatives is crucial because their manipulative behaviour, including gaslighting, selective support, and emotional manipulation, can have a profound impact on your mental health, self-confidence, and overall well-being.”
She also believes that doing so instils self-confidence and creates room for emotional energy to focus on positive and fulfilling areas.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: India Today, Hindustan Times, PsychCentral
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: Toxic Family, Toxic parents, Toxic Family India, Toxic parents India, India, indian families, indian parents, parent child, parents
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, or copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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