Narcissistic abuse
What is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological manipulation and control exerted by individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) over their partners, family members, friends, or colleagues. Narcissistic abusers use tactics such as gaslighting, lying, blaming, intimidation, and isolation to gain power and control over their victims. They often project their own negative qualities onto their victims and engage in a pattern of idealization, devaluation, and discard. The long-term effects of narcissistic abuse can include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex trauma. Recovery from narcissistic abuse often involves therapy to help victims process their experiences and heal from the emotional wounds inflicted by the abuser.
Signs You Are in An Emotionally Abusive Relationship
- Constant criticism and put-downs
- Controlling behavior
- Isolation from friends and family
- Gaslighting or making the victim doubt their own perceptions and memory
- Blaming the victim for their own behavior
- Threats or intimidation
- Withholding affection or love as punishment
- Using guilt to manipulate the victim
- Jealousy and possessiveness
- Verbal abuse or yelling
What Makes You Vulnerable to Abuse?
- Low self-esteem: Individuals who have low self-esteem may be more likely to tolerate or rationalize abusive behavior from others.
- Lack of social support: People who have limited social support networks or who are socially isolated may be more vulnerable to abuse as they may have fewer people to turn to for help or validation.
- Trauma history: People who have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, may be more likely to become victims of abuse in adulthood.
- Cultural or societal factors: Some cultural or societal factors, such as gender roles or traditional views of relationships, can make individuals more vulnerable to abuse. For example, some societies may view domestic violence as a private matter that should not be discussed or reported to authorities.