Toxicity in Relationships, Workplace, and Society: Causes, Types, and Remedies

Have you ever witnessed a boss shouting at a junior? Or walked into a manager’s office only to step out completely drained, humiliated, or scolded without any valid reason? In such moments, it seems as if the boss is neither concerned about their employees, nor about the work environment, nor even about the company’s growth—they are simply feeding their own ego. That invisible heaviness you feel is not your imagination; it is a sign of toxicity. And when such episodes occur repeatedly, it’s a serious issue. These behaviours may not always come from intentional hatred; every so often, they stem from unsettled, unconscious, and unfulfilled desire.

In today’s stressful world, toxicity is common—and it is dangerous. It kills many things: mental peace, social respect, economic stability, and even the progress of individuals, groups, and nations as a whole. That is why early recognition is essential. The sooner we identify toxic behaviours, the sooner we can act, reduce the damage, and restore a healthier balance in life and work.

What IS Toxicity?

Toxicity is a well-known term commonly used to describe destructive behaviours, arrogance, or an atmosphere that negatively affects our mental health, well-being, emotions, or even physical health. Just as a poisonous chemical harms the body, toxic behaviour disrupts relationships, workplaces, and communities. In essence, toxicity is a pattern of behaviour or an environment that drains energy, spreads negativity, and causes emotional harm.

📌 Example: A colleague, guardian, or boss who regularly scolds, criticises, humiliates, or fails to appreciate others creates a toxic atmosphere at work, at home, or in personal relationships.

Types of Toxicity

1. Personal Toxicity: Personal toxicity occurs when an individual directs negativity toward themselves, such as self-sabotage, low self-esteem, and constant complaining. Such individuals often think, “I will fail, so why even try?” They carry strong feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, which affect their personal growth and well-being. 

2. Interpersonal Toxicity: As the name suggests, interpersonal toxicity involves harmful behaviours directed toward others. This includes manipulation, misinterpretation, and denial of reality, mistreatment, or gossiping. In such cases, a person may regularly blame others for mistakes or problems in a relationship, creating emotional strain and conflict. 

3. Workplace Toxicity: Toxic behaviour in the workplace can take many forms: favouritism, unnecessary scolding, humiliation, lack of appreciation, taking credit for others’ work, or unethical domination. For example, a manager who humiliates juniors to instil fear creates resentment and a hostile work environment. 

4. Social/Group Toxicity: Social or group toxicity occurs when negativity spreads across a community, group, or online platform such as Facebook or WhatsApp. This may include false information, rumours, or constant arguments, creating tension and conflict among group members.

Psychological Causes Behind Toxic Behaviour

According to Sigmund Freud, the father of the Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality, toxicity often originates from unresolved emotions, insecurity, or unhealthy environments. Some key psychological explanations are as follows:

• Low Self-Esteem and Insecurity: People with low self-esteem often feel threatened by others. To feel superior, they may act against others.
  📌 Example: A manager who demeans juniors to hide their own lack of skills and confidence.

 

·   Unresolved Childhood Conflicts (View of Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory): Shocks, early trauma or unfulfilled desires like over control or neglect can result in controlling, manipulating, or aggressive behaviour.

 

·     Personality Disorders: Sometimes, narcissistic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder may create patterns of toxic behaviour.

 

·         Poor Emotional Regulation: When a person cannot manage or fails to manage stress, anger, or frustration, it may lead to explosions and harmful words/actions.

 

·         Cultural and Environmental Influence: Living in a highly competitive environment, where we have high stress, or facing disrespectful environments, due to which such toxic communication styles become normal. 

Effective Solutions to Overcome Toxicity/Toxic Behaviour

 

• Self-Awareness and Reflection: The Sooner we recognise, the sooner we act, so recognise toxicity in yourself or others.

Tips: Note down your emotional triggers, which can highlight patterns.

 

• Setting Boundaries: Learn how to say no to stay away from manipulative and draining behaviour. If your colleague regularly dumps their own responsibility on you, then adopt the policy of refusal. Just say no, I am already flooded with work, so sorry.   

· Practising Healthy Communication: Always substitute criticism with fertile feedback. Take responsibility and learn to say I instead of blaming others (“I feel over-stressed when goals are undecided”).

• Seeking Professional Help: Take help from a professional or a therapist who can reveal root causes, such as insecurity, trauma, or unfulfilled unconscious childhood desires. 

• Creating Positive Environments: You also have to take some steps to create a positive environment because a leader is born with the capability to reduce toxicity by promoting respect, transparency, and appreciation. 

• Emotional Regulation Techniques: By adopting some of the psychological therapies or techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises, which will help in managing anger and stress. 

• Take Help of Experts: Consult a Psychologist and a psychiatrist who will guide you in the right direction and provide support for dealing with toxic behaviours.

• Avoid Taking It Personally: Neither take it personally nor carry it from the workplace to home.
• Soft Communication: Always bring softness in communication and express yourself respectfully.  
• Keep Informed Your Manager: Always be involved with your manager. Report them in writing of every event and incident.
• Give Feedback: After every meeting and interaction, always give your valuable feedback to the department.
• Practice Self-care: While doing or taking any steps,      always practice self-care.

Conclusion

Toxicity or toxic behaviour does not stem from bad people; it arises from unaddressed psychological issues that spill into relations and atmosphere. By early identifying the types of toxicity, knowing its causes, and adopting practical solutions, we can break the cycle and shape healthier personal lives, workplaces, and communities. It must be understood that toxicity may be transmissible, but so is kindness. Therefore, picking self-awareness, empathy, and positive energy is the most effective antidote.