If someone drains you more than they lift you up, they might be toxic; if someone always finds a way to make things about them, they’re probably narcissistic and emotionally tiring you out.

In a nutshell, your mental health is influenced by the people you surround yourself with.

While relationships can be a source of joy and support, some can be toxic and draining.

For the sake of your well-being, it’s important to recognize when certain connections are doing more harm than good.

Now, I’ve discovered eight types of people you might need to consider cutting from your life to protect your mental health and find more peace and balance.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

1) The constant pessimist

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows; we all have our down days, and sometimes, a good old rant is just what we need to let it all out.

However, there’s a line between venting and constantly bathing in negativity.

You see, there are folks who seem to be perpetually stuck in this gloomy state of mind—it’s like they’re wearing dark-tinted glasses that color everything they see in shades of gray.

They’re always complaining, always predicting doom and gloom, always focusing on the worst possible outcomes.

Being around them feels like being sucked into a black hole of pessimism, draining you of your energy and positivity.

2) The unapologetic user

We all need a hand sometimes—that’s what friends are for, right?

I once had a friend who only seemed to remember me when she needed something; whether it was a ride, help with her assignments or a shoulder to cry on after the latest drama in her life, I was her go-to person.

At first, I didn’t mind. I was happy to help out a friend.

But then I started to notice the pattern—she was always taking, never giving back, and she was only there for the fun times but never around when I was the one needing support.

It’s tough to admit that someone you care about is using you but, let’s face it, nobody deserves to be taken for granted.

3) The perpetual victim

Ever come across people who believe the world is against them? They’re always wronged, always slighted, always the victim in every situation.

Interestingly, psychologists call this the “victim mentality”.

It’s a type of cognitive bias where people tend to see themselves as the victim of circumstances rather than acknowledging their role in creating them.

These individuals refuse to take responsibility for their actions and instead put the blame on others.

It’s never their fault—it’s their boss, their partner, their friends, or just plain bad luck.

Their negativity and refusal to self-reflect can pull you down a rabbit hole of blame and resentment, and that’s certainly not a healthy environment to be in.

4) The relentless critic

We all need constructive criticism from time to time—it helps us grow and improve.

These people seem to have made it their life’s mission to point out your faults, mistakes, and shortcomings.

They nitpick, they belittle, they make you feel like you’re never quite good enough.

These relentless critics might disguise their harsh words as ‘jokes’ or ‘teasing’, but the sting of their words is very real.

And the damage they can do to your self-esteem? Even more so.

It’s important to surround yourself with people who celebrate your strengths and support you in your weaknesses.

5) The self-centered superstar

We all know that one person who believes the world revolves around them—they’re the star of their own show, and everyone else is just a supporting actor.

I’ve encountered a few of these self-centered superstars in my life; conversations always steer back to them and their stories, and they would rarely show interest in what’s happening in your life, unless it somehow relates to them.

When I’d share something about myself, they’d quickly switch the topic back to their own experiences, or worse, subtly one-up me.

It was as if my feelings and experiences were less important than theirs.

Being around this type of person feels like you’re giving your energy and attention without getting anything in return.

Your feelings and experiences matter just as much—don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

6) The constant optimist

Some people are so determined to maintain a positive outlook that they completely disregard any negative emotions or situations.

These constant optimists dismiss your problems with a wave of their hand and a cheery “everything will be fine!”

Sure, positivity is great, but it’s also important to acknowledge and validate feelings of sadness, anger or anxiety.

They’re part of the human experience, after all.

If you have someone in your life who refuses to acknowledge the not-so-rosy parts of life, it can make you feel invalidated and misunderstood.

7) The drama magnet

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns—for some people, it seems like every day is a fresh episode of a soap opera.

The drama magnets always have a crisis going on, always in the midst of some elaborate saga. Their drama never seems to end, and yet they always want you to be part of it.

Hanging out with them can keep your stress levels consistently high and leave you feeling emotionally drained.

Everyone has their share of drama, but if it feels like someone in your life is constantly surrounded by it, it might be time to step back and protect your peace.

Remember, you’re not obligated to be part of anyone else’s chaos—it’s okay to choose calm over drama.

8) The emotional vampire

Emotional vampires suck the energy out of a room and make everything about their feelings, their problems, their needs.

They demand your attention, your sympathy, your time—and give absolutely nothing in return.

Being around an emotional vampire can have serious consequences for your mental health.

They can leave you feeling depleted, anxious, and overwhelmed.

The important thing to remember is this: your mental health matters.

You have every right to protect it, even if it means cutting off people who drain you.

Final thoughts

Having come this far, you might be reflecting on the people in your life and where they fit into these categories.

Cutting ties doesn’t always mean slamming doors and burning bridges, sometimes it means gently distancing oneself, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your mental health.

There’s a quote by Eleanor Brownn that resonates deeply with this topic: “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

If someone consistently drains your emotional energy, stepping back isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.

Your mental health matters, so here’s to better days, surrounded by people who uplift you, respect your boundaries, and bring positivity to your life.