Friday Fix: 5 Signs Negative People Hold You Captive

In The Verywell Mind Podcast episode, Amy Morin, LCSW, reveals signs that negative individuals exert undue influence over your life. She also provides strategies for regaining control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

5 Signs Negative People Overshadow Your Life:

1. Mental and Emotional Drain: Negative individuals dominate your thoughts and conversations, leading to negative emotions and behaviors.

2. Blame Game and Excuses: You blame others for your problems, giving them control over your happiness instead of relying on self-control.

3. Pleasing and Sacrificing: You alter your behavior to satisfy others, sacrificing your needs and values for their approval.

4. Walking on Eggshells: You feel cautious around negative people, fearing saying or doing something wrong, indicating their excessive influence.

5. Emotional Exhaustion: Spending time with negative individuals leaves you drained and exhausted, highlighting their negative impact on your well-being.

Steps to Reclaim Control:

1. Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviors to protect yourself from negative influences.

2. Depersonalize Negative Behavior: Understand that negative behavior reflects their issues, not yours, preventing personal attacks.

3. Choose Positivity: Shift your focus towards positive individuals and activities, surrounding yourself with uplifting influences.

4. Prioritize Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise to enhance resilience against negativity.

5. Seek Professional Support: Consider therapy to develop coping mechanisms, strategies, and support for dealing with negative individuals.

Remember, you possess the power to control your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Don't let negative influences dictate your life. By setting boundaries, embracing positivity, and prioritizing self-care, you can regain control and thrive as the best version of yourself.