Relationships

As I watched the 20th memorial of 9/11 at quarter of eleven on national geographic, it was another reminder if not everyday of relationships. As humans we thrive on human contact. From birth to death we encounter - maternal, paternal, siblings, mentors, friends, collegial, marital, romantic and in some cases conflicting relationships.

A touch, an eye contact, smell and taste that we encounter casually everyday of our loved ones maybe one last physical contact . This is inevitable.

Besides this awareness, there are some relationships in which that physical contact might in fact be a toxic...through death, a relief for the victims for that toxicity to end! Such is life!

Life is a gift, death is inevitable. One of the most tragic relationships is an abusive type. Child abuse, elderly abuse, spousal abuse and domestic violence shortens ones life span that those victims may not value their life as a gift. In contrary it might be dreadful.

Abusive relationships of any kind is toxic, it devalues an individual's purpose in life, their self image and amplifies the stress of living. In fact, life is perceived as a burden.

Let's come together as a community and protect the vulnerable population by promoting awareness. Abused victims tend to have the following signs.

- Social isolation from loved ones

- Making excuses for the abuser

- Poor performance at work(poor academic growth in children

- A shift in one's demeanor

- Self doubt

- Depression and anxiety

Help yourselves and your neighbors, their children or elderly parents if you see any of the above signs. Allow yourself or someone you know withdraw from a toxic relationship, so you can cherish the life that you deserve.

Dr. Puthumana,

Psychiatrist, MD.