How can I help someone in a toxic relationship?

Being stuck in a toxic relationship is something that can consume an individual. A toxic relationship often involves mental and emotional abuse. It's what happens when you are expected to act or behave in ways that cause physical, sexual or emotional harm.

So, how can you help someone out in a toxic relationship? How do you support someone who's going through a hard time? How can you help them rise from the ashes of destruction and make things work out for good? Deciphering this is where it all begins.

Let them know they are not alone.

You should always let your friend or loved one know that you're there to give them your undivided attention and care along with a shoulder to lean on. Remind them that their relationship shouldn't be dictating their life, but rather building a healthy foundation for moving ahead with life - if the other person isn't willing to change their ways then maybe it's high time they call it quits!

You see, people stuck in toxic relationships tend to shut themselves off from people who care about them. Because of this, they become even more dependent on their toxic partner which leads to getting worse over time.

Remind them that it's okay not to be okay!

It's easy for us humans to forget the lessons learned in life especially when we are going through a hard time. Reminding them now and then will definitely help because if you've ever been stuck in an abusive relationship before, then you would know how important it is for you to have someone by your side reminding you just how amazing you are.

You might think that what goes around comes around but remember, karma has no 'tude - so don't let anger or revenge take control of your mind.

Remind them, there's always light at the end of the tunnel!

Now, this requires patience and time - but, you've got it in you to be that light at the end of someone's gloomy tunnel.

If you are helping your friend out through a tough time, remind them every single day how amazing they are. You can also focus on little things they did right or made an effort to do rather than focusing all attention on their mistakes or the toxic relationship they are stuck in. These little things will help build up their self-esteem which is key to getting out of a toxic relationship.

Make sure you're not just saying these encouraging words because you feel bad for them or perhaps don't have anything better to say. How about creating a dialogue where both of you get to express yourself and help each other out? How about sharing with them just how much you care for them and why? How about motivating one another to do more than just sit around and be miserable. How about taking charge of their lives and helping one another recover from that abusive relationship?

Some of our partners have bad anger management habits. Sometimes, they become verbally abusive to us whenever we do something that upsets them. They have this "my way or the highway" attitude when it comes to things in the relationship. Some of our friends are trapped in violent relationships because they feel like they've tried everything, there's no one else for them, so why not stay with an abusive person. It doesn't have to be this way... There are steps you can take right now to get your friend out of a toxic relationship.

Seek advice from professional relationship therapists in Chicago to ensure that your loved one gets through this emotional turmoil in a healthy way.