1. Toxic relationships trigger chronic stress
Toxic relationships are often characterized by manipulation, control, emotional abuse, or neglect. They cause chronic stress and exacerbate existing mental health issues by:
Increased anxiety and insecurity: Constant criticism, gaslighting, or emotional coldness make the affected person doubt themselves and amplify obsessive thoughts (“What if I made a mistake?”).
Reinforcement of compulsions: When someone lives in an unpredictable or dangerous relationship, compulsive behavior can create a (false) illusion of control. For example, a woman in a toxic relationship may see hand or object sanitizing as a way to maintain at least “some” control.
Social isolation: Many toxic partners isolate their victims, removing support systems. Loneliness and helplessness worsen depression and anxiety.
Chronic self-doubt: Constant manipulation or devaluation can lead to a negative self-image, which exacerbates depression.
2. Hormonal effects of toxic stress
Toxic relationships keep the nervous system in a state of alarm, leading to overproduction of stress hormones and disrupting hormonal balance:
Cortisol (the stress hormone):
- Overproduction from chronic stress keeps the body in a constant “fight-or-flight” mode.
- Leads to anxiety, sleep problems, physical exhaustion, and worsens panic attacks.
- Chronically high cortisol levels suppress the immune system, which can worsen health anxiety
Dopamine & Oxytocin (reward & bonding hormones)
- Manipulative partners often exploit the “hot and cold” game of love and rejection → This intensifies dependency through an unhealthy dopamine rush.
- Oxytocin (“bonding hormone”) strengthens emotional dependency, even when the relationship is harmful. Particularly after arguments or reconciliation surges, staying in the relationship can become addictive.
Serotonin (the happiness hormone)
- Chronic stress lowers serotonin levels, making one feel less joy and happiness, which can worsen depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
- Low serotonin amplifies obsessive thoughts because the brain tries to create safety through control.
Adrenaline & Noradrenaline (fear hormones)
- Toxic relationships often involve “drama,” emotional escalation, and uncertainty.
- This repeatedly releases adrenaline, which can intensify panic attacks. The body cannot find inner calm.
3. The cycle between toxic relationships and compulsions
The toxic relationship creates chronic stress → Stress hormones rise.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, and depression intensify → The need for control grows.
The toxic partner amplifies self-doubt → The person believes they are “wrong” or must try even harder.
Emotional dependency strengthens → Because the brain fluctuates between pain and small moments of happiness (dopamine rush after an argument), one often stays in the relationship.
Result: The affected person feels trapped, their compulsions and panic attacks worsen, and the way out seems increasingly difficult.
4. What helps break free from this cycle?
✅ Recognize that the relationship is toxic – Awareness is the first step.
✅ Talk to a therapist or trusted person – Professional help can break emotional dependency.
✅ Calm the body – Techniques like breathing exercises, exercise, or meditation can lower stress hormones.
✅ Gradually build emotional distance – No contact (or limited contact) helps stabilize hormonal fluctuations.
✅ Strengthen self-worth – Through healthy social interactions, self-care, and consciously dissolving negative beliefs.
Summary
Toxic relationships act like an accelerant for mental health issues – they intensify compulsions, panic attacks, and depression both emotionally and hormonally. To break free from this cycle, it’s essential to understand both psychological and physical mechanisms and take targeted action to counter them.
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