Dr. Christiane Northrup is a board-certified OB/GYN physician and leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness. She is also a New York Times best-selling author and has written the book Dodging Energy Vampires where she gives expert advice on how to avoid negativity, toxicity, and narcissism from others.
This article is derived from one of our most popular podcasts Dodging Energy Vampires – Are Toxic Relationships Draining Your Energy with Dr. Northrup
How Toxic Relationships Affect Women’s Health
Being in a relationship with an energy vampire may manifest itself physiologically through various health problems or fatigue. An energy vampire exerts suffocating control on your environment by using ill-willed manipulation. They take advantage of your most heartfelt dreams and desires by giving you just enough to get what they want out of you, whether it be love, attention, money, or sex, with nothing in return besides the occasional hint of affection.
A constant lack of reciprocation to your advances is very likely to cause high levels of stress, weight gain, suppressed immunity, thinner skin, hormone imbalance, and more.
If allowed, an energy vampire will continue manipulating you until you can give no more and you become sick. They are addictive and don’t go away. They will keep contacting you off and on to replenish their narcissistic supply as needed.
How to Leave a Toxic Relationship with an Energy Vampire
Once you have identified that you are in a relationship with an energy vampire, it is likely an excellent idea to leave the person. Unfortunately, this proves to be much easier said than done.
How do you leave a toxic relationship?
First and foremost, you must realize that you are very likely to experience a lot of doubts, worries, and resistance to the idea. The person has probably spent a long time manipulating you into believing that you need them as much as they claim they need you, or they may have managed to stifle your relationships with other people, making you feel isolated.
You must realize that you will never be able to change the person, no matter how much you try. The hardest part of the whole process will be letting go of the person entirely and walking away.
The good news is that you are not alone. There are numerous books and support groups on how to leave a toxic relationship. Once you get out of the old poisonous habits of a relationship, you can rebuild a whole new life and engage in healthy relationships again.
Leaving a toxic relationship will not only make you happier; it will also make you stronger as a person and possibly transform your life.
“The very first acknowledgments in the book [Dodging Energy Vampires] was my gratitude to every single energy vampire in my life because, without them, I would never be who I am today. It’s like they are the grain of sand in the oyster and you keep working with it until you’ve got a pearl.” Dr. Christiane Northrup.
The Importance of Having a “Reality Check” Group of Friends
When an energy vampire has their hooks in you, it can be difficult for you to see that there is something wrong. However, your friends and family will likely notice from early on. They will dislike the person from the beginning and may later tell you, “Oh God, I knew that was bad from the beginning.”
Surrounding yourself with friends who will tell you when they see the signs that you may be involved with an energy vampire is key to not falling victim. If you are an empath or have super traits, then it may be especially hard to hear your friends out because you will always want to see the best in people, but it is your job to trust your friends and to take the necessary precautions in your new relationship to avoid getting dragged in. It is your job to make sure to listen to them, to trust them, and to take the necessary precautions in your new relationship to avoid getting dragged in.
Summary
If you want to get out of a relationship with an energy vampire, be aware that it will take some time and effort. Acknowledging that you will not be able to change this person is the first and most crucial step to take in your healing process. Reaching out to a network of people who can help and support you is the next step. Be grateful towards your energy vampire for the lessons learned as this process will make you a stronger person.
Recommended books
Dodging Energy Vampires by Dr. Christiane Northrup
In Sheep’s Clothing by Dr. George Simon
Women Who Love Psychopaths by Dr. Sandra Brown
