"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-confidence, look around. What if you're actually just surrounded by crazy people?" - William Gibson
Have you ever considered how many times someone else's behavior is influenced by how you feel? How many times have you walked out of a relationship because the relationship destroyed your self-esteem? Psychologist dr. Elvira Aletta wrote on her blog that toxic people can have an influence on the onset of depression. And if the people in your life match the three traits listed below, the problem might not be your self-esteem or depression, but them!
They are happy in their stupidity
And stupid doesn't mean they aren't intelligent. No one is smart all the time and no one knows everything about everything. If you don't know something, admit it, and don't teach others about a subject you know nothing about. But that doesn't stop a fool from bragging about his "knowledge".
They are loud and unpleasant
Can a fool be quiet and shy? Maybe, but you'd be hard-pressed to think of any examples, right? Most of them are not interested in a conversation that involves listening and speaking. They monologue, shout, enter your personal space and don't realize they're even doing it. Or maybe they're doing it to scare you. Either way: it's not good for you!
They are selfish bullies
They tarnish, mock the emotions, thoughts, feelings of others... All this just to fill their ego and sense of self-worth.
WHY do they make you feel depressed?
Being constantly exposed to such fools can affect our self-esteem. Your parents taught you to be kind, listen and respect others. And you understandably expect the same from others. You respect the opinions of others, even when you disagree with them. When you hang out with this person often, eventually your self-confidence collapses, you feel hopeless, tired, sad, depressed. But chronic emotional abuse can really lead to depression.
What can you do for yourself?
Be honest with yourself. Allow yourself to see the situation as it is. When you realize that there is a person in your life who is emotionally harming you, you can start working on yourself and regain your self-confidence. Spend as little time as possible with this person. If you are in the same office, ask to be transferred. Take care of yourself. Spend time with those people who make you feel good. Be strong and get help.
Now that you know how to spot crazy people when you see them, it's time to get out of the shell of depression and sadness and live a life free of these toxic people.
