Going no contact with your parents is a difficult decision that is not taken lightly. It is a decision that is often made after years of trying to reconcile differences and repair relationships that have been fraught with tension, conflict, or abuse. However, sometimes it is the only option for your mental and emotional well-being.

No contact means cutting off all communication and contact. This includes phone calls, emails, text messages, and visits.

For many people, the decision to go no contact with their parents is not an easy one. They may feel guilty, sad, or angry about the situation. They may worry about how their parents will react and how other family members will perceive the situation. However, when the relationship is toxic or abusive, it is important to prioritize your own well-being and safety above all else.

Toxic parents can have a profound impact on their adult children’s mental and emotional health. They may be critical, controlling, manipulative, or emotionally abusive. Children who grow up in these types of environments often struggle with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Going no contact can be a necessary step to protect yourself from further harm and begin the healing process.

Some of the emotional effects of going no contact with one’s parents may include:

1. Grief and Loss: Going no contact can be similar to experiencing the death of a loved one, as it can involve a significant loss of a relationship that was once central to your life.
2. Anger and Resentment: If the decision to go no contact was due to abuse or neglect from one’s parents, then feelings of anger and resentment towards them are common.
3. Guilt and Shame: Even if going no contact is the best decision for your well-being, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of guilt and shame for cutting off contact.
4. Anxiety and Depression: Going no contact can be a stressful and isolating experience, and it may trigger or worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression.
5. Confusion and Ambivalence: For some individuals, the decision to go no contact with their parents may not be clear cut, and they may experience conflicting emotions about the decision.

It is important to note that going no contact is not a decision that should be made impulsively or without careful consideration. It is a decision that requires thought, reflection, and possibly therapy. It is also important to have a support system in place, such as friends, family members, or a therapist.

No matter where you are on your decision, please know that your TSF family is here to support you. Check out all of our healing services including our free portal filled with healing worksheets and self-reflection exercises.