Narcissistic abuse can be a silent killer. It’s something that tends to creep up on people rather than being in your face and obvious. Understandably, this makes it all the more dangerous because you don’t see it coming.In fact, most people who are on the receiving end of narcissistic abuse don’t even realize that’s what it is until much later, when they’ve had time to reflect on what happened and how they felt during those experiences.Read on to find out more about the effects of narcissistic abuse on mental health – and how to get help if you need it.
What is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a term used to describe a pattern of controlling, intimidating, demeaning and belittling behaviour that one person directs towards another, usually a partner or someone who is close. It can be described as emotional abuse. It is also referred to as psychological abuse and verbal abuse. The abuse is often subtle and covert rather than overt. A narcissist will typically use subtle, covert and underhanded methods to get what they want, while loudly protesting that they are innocent and the victim of your unreasonable expectations or behaviours. A person who is narcissistic will often display traits and behaviours of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and expectation of special treatment. They are more likely to exploit their partner or lover, using them as a source of adoration, admiration, and attention. The narcissist’s source of self-esteem is often heavily dependent on the approval and attention of others. When the narcissist feels ignored, rejected or neglected, he or she may respond with an extreme version of the “silent treatment” as a means of punishment. This can be extremely harmful to the victim, who is often left feeling worthless, lonely, desperate and confused.
How Does Narcissistic Abuse Affect Mental Health?
Narcissistic abuse is often violent and results in extreme levels of stress that can devastate your mental and emotional health. The ongoing anxiety and stress of living with a narcissist can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).- Anxiety: Anxiety is a very common mental health problem that can be caused by a wide range of things including stress, trauma, and relationship problems. If you’re in a toxic relationship with a narcissist, it’s likely you’ll experience a high level of anxiety.- Depression: It’s not uncommon for people who are experiencing emotional abuse at the hands of a narcissist to develop symptoms of depression. Depression is more than just feeling a bit sad or down in the dumps, it can be a serious condition that requires professional help. It’s important to seek help if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression as it can be treated.- PTSD: Post traumatic stress disorder is not just for war veterans. It can happen to anyone who experiences something traumatic, like living with a narcissist. PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and social isolation.- Suicidal thoughts: Living with a narcissist can be so psychologically traumatizing that the extreme stress can lead to suicidal thoughts. If you find yourself thinking about or planning ways to end your life, get help immediately. It’s important to reach out for help from a professional, a friend or your family.
Effects of long-term narcissistic abuse
If you’ve been in a relationship with a narcissist for a long time, it’s possible that you’ve been suffering from varying degrees of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. All of these can come as a result of being in a toxic relationship with a narcissist.Other long-term effects of being in a relationship with a narcissist can include feeling extremely lonely, feeling worthless, having low self-esteem, and feeling confused. It’s important that if you’ve been a victim of narcissistic abuse that you seek help.Unfortunately, due to the nature of narcissistic abuse, the trauma and damage may be so severe that it will take some time before you’re able to reach out for help. It’s important that you don’t wait until you’re at rock bottom to seek help.
How to Recover from Narcissistic Abuse
The first step in recovering from narcissistic abuse is to get out of the relationship. If you’re in a romantic relationship with a narcissist, you need to end the relationship and cut all contact.There are a number of ways to end the relationship. You can end the relationship in person, over the phone or by sending a letter. When ending the relationship, make sure that you remain calm, assertive and unemotional.While it’s important to end the relationship, it’s also important not to break off contact with the narcissist. This is because you may be dealing with an interpersonal exploitist, who may try to manipulate you into staying in the relationship by claiming that you’re somehow responsible for the relationship ending.It’s important to remember that you aren’t responsible for the narcissist’s actions. The narcissist is responsible for his or her actions, not you.
Conclusion
Narcissistic abuse is a form of abuse that focuses on self-esteem and self-worth. This form of abuse is like a disease that slowly robs its victims of their ability to trust, love, and feel empowered. It can take years to notice the effects of narcissistic abuse and it may be difficult to diagnose because it is so subtle and covert.If you think that you might be suffering from the effects of narcissistic abuse, it’s important that you seek help as soon as possible. It’s important not to wait until you’re at rock bottom before you reach out for help. You don’t want to risk the abuse getting so bad that it takes you years to recover from it.
We are Warriors and Workers of the Light 
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