How do you handle stress when too many people manipulate you?

As a psychologist and mental health expert, here are some tips for handling stress when feeling manipulated by others:

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• Set boundaries. It's important to have firm personal boundaries about what behaviors you will and won't accept from others. Communicating these clearly can help prevent manipulation.

• Practice self-care. When feeling overwhelmed, take time for activities that help you relax and recharge like exercise, meditation, speaking to a therapist, etc. Don't neglect your own needs.

• Identify manipulation tactics. Learn to recognize common manipulation techniques like guilt-tripping, gaslighting, love-bombing etc. This awareness can prevent you from being unduly influenced.

• Be assertive. Don't be afraid to firmly but politely express when you feel someone is being manipulative. Calling it out can help stop the behavior.

• Avoid people who manipulate repeatedly. If someone consistently exhibits manipulative patterns despite your efforts, it may be healthiest to limit contact with them.

• Build a support system. Maintain relationships with positive people who respect boundaries and provide encouragement when you face manipulation from others.

• Practice self-compassion. Manipulation can make you doubt yourself. Counteract this by treating yourself with kindness rather than internalizing negativity.

The key is being proactive about protecting your boundaries, trusting your instincts about manipulation, and not compromising your own self-worth and mental health.