February 2025

I’m Done!

Alex’s story

I woke up one morning with a heavy feeling in my chest, a weight that had become all too familiar over the years. As I lay there in bed, staring at the ceiling, I knew that today was going to be different. Today, I was going to break free from the toxic relationship that had been suffocating me for far too long. I was done!

I met Kelly at uni. I was young and naïve and got drawn in by her infectious smile and bubbly personality. At first, everything seemed perfect. We laughed together, shared our dreams and fears, and I thought I had found the one. But as time passed, things began to change.

Her words, once banter turned into criticism, her smiles into sneers. She controlled every aspect of my life, from what I wore to who I could see. Every mistake, no matter how small, was met with anger and disdain. I felt like I was walking on eggshells. I was afraid to set her off yet unable to leave.

But that morning, as I lay in bed, I realised that I could not go on like this any longer. I could not continue to sacrifice my own happiness for the sake of someone who only brought me pain. With a newfound determination, I got out of bed and began to make a plan.

I started by reaching out to friends and family, people who had been pushed away by her toxic influence. Their support and encouragement gave me the strength I needed to finally stand up for myself. I began to see a therapist, someone who helped me understand that I deserved better and that I deserved to be treated with respect and kindness.

As I took these steps towards freedom I could feel the weight in my chest slowly begin to lift. I could breathe again. It was as if a fog had lifted from my mind and I could finally see clearly again. I realised that I had allowed myself to become trapped in a cycle of abuse but now I was breaking free, I was finally done.

The hardest part came when I finally confronted her, when I told her that I was leaving. Her reaction was exactly as I had feared – anger, tears and manipulation. She tried everything to make me stay, to make me doubt myself and my decision. But this time, I was strong. I stood my ground and walked away, leaving behind the toxicity that had consumed me for so long.

I began to rebuild my life. I reconnected with old friends, picked up hobbies that I had long abandoned, and rediscovered the person I used to be before her toxic grip took hold. It was not easy – there were moments of doubt and loneliness and I even the thought of going back – but with each passing day, I grew stronger.

As I look back now, I realise that breaking free from that toxic relationship was the best decision I ever made. I am no longer weighed down by fear and self-doubt. I am free to be myself, to pursue my dreams, and to surround myself with people who lift me up instead of tear me down.

I share my story now in the hope that it may inspire others who find themselves in similar situations. You are not alone and you deserve to be treated with love and respect. Breaking free may be difficult, but it is worth it. Trust in yourself, find the support you need, and take that first step towards a brighter, happier future. Realising when you are done in a toxic relationship can be liberating.

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If this story has caused you any distress please contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Lifeline Crisis Support

The stories in this calendar are based on actual experiences. The names are changed to protect the identity of the individuals who shared their story.