Toxic relationships often challenge your feelings of self worth and it may seem very difficult to forge ahead and live life without your partner. It may seem overwhelming to go at first, but there are some definite benefits to getting out. If you are being insulted, made to feel inferior, or crazy, being removed from that influence can be very liberating mentally. Here are 5 benefits to leaving a toxic relationship:

1. Your capability for dealing with other areas of your life increases. You’ll find yourself with more energy and a space in your brain to consider your own hopes, aspirations, and goals when you are not consumed by maintaining the stability of a toxic relationship.

2. You will start to have greater confidence in your own decision making and competence. When you aren’t exposed to constant criticism about how you accomplish tasks or your approaches to things, you will begin to see there are different but equally effective ways to go about things.

3. Other relationships will develop and improve. While involved in a psychologically abusive relationship, it becomes very difficult to be invested in your other relationships, such as friendships. Your level of distraction over your unhealthy relationship may keep you from being capable of focusing on the concerns and issues of your friend or family member. If you’ve been discouraged from seeing others outside the relationship, that may have done some damage to the intimacy with that person as well. Spending more conscious and invested time with your loved ones will improve your relationships.

4. Your sense of dread will loosen its grip. When you are no longer living under the threat of criticism and control, you will begin to feel more relaxed. Your home environment as well as your mental space can become more a sanctuary.

5. Your symptoms of depression begin to ease up. Your depression has probably developed or increased because of the emotional abuse. If you find that you continue to feel overwhelmed, you may want to consider getting some counseling. It is important to seek help from the appropriate resources to help you through this challenging time.