The effects of unhealthy relationships
Mental health
It can be very damaging to your mental health if your partner is disrespectful, doesn鈥檛 encourage you, and undermines your trust. You may suffer low self-esteem or depression, which may affect all aspects of life.
Relations with others
A poor relationship may harm your connections to other people. Your partner may try to control who you can see and speak to. This may harm your ability to maintain a healthy relationship with friends and family.
Physical health
An unhealthy relationship is stressful. This may lead to unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, drinking and drugs. It may lead to a loss of appetite, a change in appearance, weight loss, or a sleep disorder.
Types of support
The best way to improve an unhealthy relationship is by getting advice.
Counselling
A couple who recognise that they need help may attend counselling together.
They can discuss their problems with a trained counsellor who will help them understand their problems and how to solve them.
Organisations such as Relate and Accord can help. Schools often provide a counsellor for general emotional problems, and this can be a good place to start for those who are experiencing relationship problems.
Intervention
Unhealthy relationships sometime descend into abuse. In these cases, counselling and advice might not be enough. Family, friends, or specialist support groups may intervene to stop the abuse.
Self-help groups
Joining a self-help group is a great way of meeting other people who are facing the problems in their relationships. It is an opportunity to speak about your situation and learn from others about how to solve your problems.
Voluntary organisations
There are many voluntary organisations, such as Women鈥檚 Aid, who can lend support and advice for people in unhealthy relationships.