An overwhelming feeling of helplessness is common amid and after the emotional abuse inflicted by a narcissist. Because the victim is not able to do anything right, a sense of helplessness creeps in. This helplessness resides deep within the individual impacted by narcissistic abuse and is especially difficult to shake. In fact, it most often lingers long enough to morph into hopelessness, which carries with it unsettling consequences, such as clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder comes with a host of unsettling symptoms that often manifest as a direct result of prolonged helplessness which has transitioned to hopelessness. Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include irritability, agitation, anger and mood swings, extremely anxiety, alertness and hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation. Victims tend to experience recurring flashbacks or nightmares of the trauma, racing thoughts and paranoia, have low self-esteem and can become severely depressed.
Again, these are symptoms that are especially difficult to shake and can linger long after the abuse has physically ceased. PTSD can make it incredibly hard to complete even the simplest of tasks. Often, sufferers experience low motivation and chronic fatigue.
Hopelessness, depression and PTSD can occur as a direct result of being abused by a pathological narcissist for a prolonged period of time. The helplessness and feelings of being trapped and unable to cope or escape can manifest into crippling physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
If you believe you are suffering from PTSD as a result of narcissistic abuse, ask yourself if you’re experiencing any of the following. If so, seek professional help.
Repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, or images the traumatic experience.
Repeated, intrusive and disturbing dreams, daydreams or flashbacks of the experience.
A sense of being wielded right back into the trauma, as if you are currently living it.
Uncontrollable anger, sadness or intense mood swings.
Physical manifestations of trauma, including a racing heart, difficulty breathing and sweating, when you think about what you’ve been through.
Avoidance of people, places, things or thoughts that remind you of the trauma.
Difficulty remembering events.
A loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy.
No desire to engage socially.
Feeling numb inside or an inability to experience true emotion.
Anxiety about someone following, attacking, hurting, killing you.
An increased startle response and rage when startled.
Sleep disturbances and/or chronic fatigue.
Difficulty staying focused; feelings of constant brain fog.