Going No Contact with Toxic People
For many survivors of toxic family dynamics, narcissistic abuse, or workplace bullying, the decision to go no contact is both life-saving and life-changing.
For me personally, I made the decision to cut ties with my former manager, my mother, and my sister. Do I feel guilt? Not really. What I feel is more layered: a sense of pride for finally choosing myself, and at times, a wave of grief depending on the person.
Why Survivors Struggle with Guilt
Many people who go no contact feel guilty because:
- Society tells us to “keep the peace” with family or authority figures.
- Bullies and abusers often weaponize guilt to keep you tied to them.
- Walking away can feel like abandoning the hope of reconciliation.
But here’s the truth: protecting your mental health is not betrayal. It’s an act of courage.
👉 Related: Reactive Abuse
The Grief of No Contact
Grief is often misunderstood in this process. Going no contact doesn’t always mean you miss the abuser themselves — sometimes you grieve the idea of the relationship you wanted but never truly had.
That grief doesn’t mean regret. It means you’re human.
The Mental Health Benefits of No Contact
Studies on survivors of toxic family relationships and workplace bullying show that cutting ties can reduce:
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Symptoms of PTSD
- Cycles of self-doubt and reactive abuse
It also creates space for:
- Healing and recovery
- Healthy relationships
- A restored sense of identity
👉 Related: Workplace Bullying & Sibling Bullying
A Personal Example
In my own experience, my former manager (2018-2022) not only created a hostile work environment, but also crossed dangerous boundaries. Below are photos that show her offering drugs and attempting to involve employees in those behaviors.
These images are difficult to share, but they underscore an important point: sometimes the only way to protect yourself from toxic people is to walk away completely. No contact wasn’t just a choice for me, it was survival.
[Photo 1: Manager showing me a garbage bag filled with illegally grown marijuana that she was distributing to employees.]
[Photo 2: Manager attempting to sell drugs to an employee]
[Photo 3: Proof of ongoing boundary violations]
Ending the Cycles of Abuse
No contact isn’t about being “cold” or “unforgiving.” It’s about choosing peace over pain, safety over fear, and self-respect over cycles of abuse.
Let’s make an echo that reminds people: going no contact isn’t about guilt, it’s about reclaiming your life.
