It’s easy to fall in love with someone who is bad for you, isn’t it? They can be charming and say all the right things, but the minute you wear, or say or do something they don’t like, they are a complete different person.

Someone who insults you constantly and makes you feel bad about yourself lowers your self-esteem. The negative things that person says to you will stick inside your head and soon you begin to see yourself as those things: worthless, hopeless, and not good enough.

Andrea Holley, a mental health counselor in the Durant, OK area, says, “the worst part is feeling helpless because that’s where they get stuck and can’t get out of it. They think they aren’t strong enough to leave, or they have the mentality of nobody else will have me.”

Sometimes people get use to being treated that way and it becomes their “normal”. Holley also said that feeling worthless and beat down “falls under depression and anxiety”.

Depression and anxiety affects anybody’s mental health, but for college students, grades start dropping, attendance gets worse, and suddenly you’re struggling to even

make it through a semester. You might not have that many friends because the person you’re with doesn’t let you do anything with anyone. If you are someone who is involved more

in a toxic relationship, here at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and you do not know how to get out of it, please see a counselor. Counselors are located in the Student Union on the second floor.

If you are a friend of someone you know that is in a toxic relationship, Holley states that you should “just be very supportive and encourage them” because if you tell them what you see wrong, they won’t be respective of it.

“Focus on building them up personally, compliment them, keep in contact as much as you can and always ask if you can help.” Holley said.

Don’t let another person have the power to control you. Know your power and your worth.

Karley Freeman
September 23, 2019