Taking care of our mental health should always be a priority. When our mental state is stable and healthy, it becomes easier to navigate life’s responsibilities and challenges. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves in environments or relationships that take a toll on our mental well-being, and at times choosing to stay away from them can be easier said than done. However, making that choice to prioritize yourself can be life-changing. Now, I would say the last significant thing I did to care for my mental health was walking away from a toxic friendship.
I had a friend who had a habit that I initially found tolerable but eventually realized was harmful. He loved to argue all the time—about anything and everything. It didn’t matter how trivial the topic was; he always had to prove his point. The problem wasn’t just his need to argue; it was his approach. If he realized he was losing an argument, he’d either turn the conversation into a personal attack or throw in some abusive words. He also had a temper, which made it impossible to have a calm disagreement with him. I’ve always been someone who doesn’t like to be disrespected or talked down to, so when he starts throwing insults, it normally push my buttons.
Still, I don’t like conflict. I especially hate physical fights. But sometimes, his words would get under my skin so much that I found myself saying things back just to defend myself. It became an unhealthy pattern—one that left me feeling drained and stressed every time we interacted.
Recently, things reached a breaking point. I had a bad day and was already in a terrible mood when I returned to the hostel. All I wanted was to be alone, to sit quietly and process my thoughts. But as soon as I entered the room there were arguing about about football. I didn’t want to add myself in it and Instead of him choosing to give me space and leave him out of it, he started cracking silly jokes at my expense and throwing around unnecessary, hurtful comments. I ignored him at first, but he kept pushing. I just couldn't take it so i spoke back out of annoyance and told him to just let me be.
What followed was a heated back-and-forth. He said some hurtful things, and I retaliated with my own words. It wasn’t long before he hit me on the face and it almost escalated. After he realised what he did he began to plead with me but then at that moment i realized how toxic this dynamic had become. The entire thing just left me feeling emotionally exhausted. I couldn’t help but think, Why am I even putting up with this?
That moment was were i call it quit. I decided i needed to change my room because I couldn’t condone is behavior any longer. It wasn’t easy to make the decision because we have been friends for years, but I had to put myself first. Since cutting ties with him and staying in a different room, I’ve felt a bit of relief. My peace of mind has improved, and I no longer have to come back to my room or being in a space where I’m forced to deal with unnecessary negativity.
At the end of the day, prioritizing my mental health by ending that friendship was one of the best decisions I’ve made recently. It reminded me that it’s okay to walk away from people or situations that no longer serve you. Your mental well-being matters, and sometimes, putting yourself first is the most loving thing you can do for yourself.
Thanks for reading.