Not everyone in your life deserves your time and energy. Some people lift you up, while others drain you mentally and emotionally.
Psychology tells us that certain types of people can be exhausting to deal with—constantly negative, manipulative, or just plain toxic. And the more energy you spend on them, the less you have for the things and people that truly matter.
That’s why it’s important to recognize who isn’t worth your mental space. When you learn to set boundaries and walk away from the wrong people, you create more room for peace, growth, and genuine connections.
Here are nine types of people who aren’t worth your mental energy—according to psychology.
1) The constant complainers
Some people always seem to have something to gripe about. Nothing is ever good enough, and they’re quick to point out every flaw in a situation—but never offer a real solution.
Psychology calls this a negative bias. When someone constantly focuses on the bad, it can start to affect your own mindset. Before you know it, you’re caught up in their cycle of frustration and negativity.
Of course, everyone needs to vent sometimes. But if someone is always complaining without ever trying to change things, they’re just draining your mental energy.
Instead of getting pulled into their negativity, set boundaries. You don’t have to be their emotional dumping ground.
2) The drama magnets
I used to have a friend who always seemed to be in the middle of some kind of crisis. If it wasn’t a falling out with a coworker, it was a relationship meltdown or a family feud. And somehow, I always got dragged into it.
At first, I wanted to be supportive. But over time, I realized that no matter how much advice I gave or how many late-night phone calls I answered, the drama never stopped. It wasn’t just bad luck—this person thrived on chaos.
Psychologists refer to this as high-conflict behavior. Some people create drama because it gives them attention or a sense of excitement. But for everyone around them, it’s exhausting.
Eventually, I had to take a step back. And honestly? My life became so much more peaceful without constantly being pulled into someone else’s storms.
3) The energy vampires
Some people leave you feeling drained after every interaction. They dominate conversations, unload their problems onto you, and never seem to consider how their negativity affects others.
This isn’t just in your head—studies have shown that being around emotionally exhausting people can increase stress levels and even lead to physical fatigue. Your brain has to work harder to manage the negativity, which takes a toll over time.
Of course, being there for friends and family is important. But if someone consistently sucks the energy out of you without giving anything back, it’s a sign to step away. Protecting your mental space isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
4) The chronic liars
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but some people make it impossible to believe a word they say.
Whether they tell small white lies or full-blown fabrications, chronic liars force you to constantly question what’s real and what’s not.
Psychologists call this compulsive lying, and it often stems from insecurity, a need for control, or even deeper psychological issues. The problem is, when you’re around someone who lies all the time, you waste mental energy trying to decipher the truth.
You shouldn’t have to play detective in your relationships. If someone repeatedly lies to you, it’s a clear sign they don’t respect your trust—and that’s not worth your peace of mind.
5) The one-sided friends
Friendship should be a two-way street, but some people only show up when they need something.
They’ll call when they need advice, lean on you for emotional support, or expect you to celebrate their wins—but when you need the same in return, they’re nowhere to be found.
Psychologists refer to this as a parasitic relationship. One person benefits while the other does all the giving, leaving them emotionally drained and undervalued.
A real friend is there through the ups and downs—not just when it’s convenient for them. If you’re always the one putting in the effort while they take, take, take, it might be time to step back and invest your energy elsewhere.
6) The relentless critics
Everyone needs honest feedback sometimes, but some people seem to make it their mission to tear others down.
No matter what you do, it’s never good enough for them—they always find something to criticize.
Over time, constant criticism can wear you down. Even if you try to brush it off, their words linger in the back of your mind, making you doubt yourself and your abilities.
And the worst part? People like this rarely offer support or encouragement—just negativity disguised as “helpful advice.”
You deserve to be around people who uplift and inspire you, not those who make you feel small. Life is hard enough without carrying the weight of someone else’s endless disapproval.
Let them go—you’ll feel lighter without them.
7) The jealous underminers
Some people can’t stand to see others succeed. Instead of celebrating your achievements, they downplay them, make passive-aggressive comments, or try to make you feel guilty for doing well.
You might not notice it at first. It can come in the form of a backhanded compliment—“Wow, must be nice to have that kind of luck.” Or maybe they change the subject every time you share good news.
Over time, you start second-guessing yourself, wondering if you should stop talking about the things you’re proud of just to keep the peace.
But real friends don’t make you feel bad for growing. Jealousy has nothing to do with you and everything to do with their own insecurities. You shouldn’t have to shrink yourself to make someone else feel comfortable.
8) The boundary breakers
Some people just don’t respect limits. No matter how many times you express your needs, they push, guilt-trip, or completely ignore what you’ve said. They expect your time, your energy, and sometimes even your patience—without ever considering how it affects you.
Psychologists emphasize the importance of personal boundaries for mental well-being. When someone constantly oversteps, it’s not just frustrating—it’s emotionally exhausting. And the more you allow it, the more they take.
You have every right to set and enforce boundaries without feeling guilty. If someone refuses to respect them, it’s a clear sign they don’t value your well-being the way they should.
9) The perpetual victims
Everyone faces challenges, but some people refuse to take responsibility for anything. No matter what happens, it’s always someone else’s fault. They cling to their problems, reject solutions, and expect others to carry the emotional burden for them.
This mindset, known in psychology as a victim mentality, can be incredibly draining to be around. It traps both the person and those around them in a cycle of negativity, where nothing ever changes because they’re unwilling to change.
You can offer support, but you can’t save someone who refuses to help themselves. At some point, you have to step back—for their sake and yours.
Bottom line: your energy is limited
Mental energy isn’t infinite. Just like physical stamina, it gets depleted when spent on the wrong things—or the wrong people.
Psychologists have long emphasized the importance of emotional boundaries, and for good reason. The more time you spend on those who drain you, the less you have for those who uplift and support you.
It’s not unkind to protect your peace. It’s necessary. Letting go of certain people doesn’t mean you wish them harm—it simply means you’re choosing to invest your energy where it truly matters.
