By: Sara E. Teller
Nearly all people have some form of narcissistic traits. They can help you become a tougher person, give you just the right amount of confidence, and allow you to set expectations on how others should treat you.
Nevertheless, there are people who take these traits to an extremely unhealthy level. If you are close to a narcissist, you’ll notice quite quickly that they expect endless praises. This is not all; narcissists want to control others, usually by separating them from their support systems and gaslighting them into submission. Everything a narcissist does is an attempt to lower others’ self-esteem in order to boost their own. The sad truth is that the narcissist does not like themselves, so they hurt you to feel better about themselves. To them, this is normal.
Narcissistic abuse can occur in different forms. Generally, narcissistic abuse consists of various types of unloving actions that aim to dismantle your self-esteem by the abuser. And victims of this type of abuse may find that they develop PTSD symptoms.
A person with a narcissistic personality lacks a basic understanding of, and sympathy for, others. They often know that what they’re doing is wrong but lack empathy to care. Their actions are also so second-nature that they aren’t aware of any other way to live or to engage with other people. They are also so concentrated on trying to satisfy their own needs that their moral compass is skewed, and they continue.
Being entangled in a relationship with a narcissist is exhausting, and their toxicity can be extremely dangerous and cause severe psychological damage to people who are regularly exposed to it. After parting ways with a narcissist, some people go through a prolonged period of helplessness, distress, rage, anxiety and/or depression much like what happens following a traumatic situation. The acute stress experienced within the relationship often translates to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder once out.
Some individuals refer to the PTSD that occurs as a result of an abusive relationship with a narcissist as PNSD – post-narcissism stress disorder. It is not a clinical term and has been popularized as knowledge spreads about how damaging narcissists can be. The symptoms are the same as PTSD. The only difference is that the term relates specifically to this form of abuse.
It’s important that those who find the strength to leave understand that the distressing symptoms they’re likely experiencing are common. It’s also important to gain as much knowledge as possible about the affects of this type of abuse and how to heal in the aftermath. While a therapist will not diagnose someone with PNSD (not yet, anyway), they can work through symptoms of PTSD with the individual in the aftermath of the relationship. There are also many peer support groups out there for individuals to unite and discuss their stories. Finding this common ground with other.
If you feel you are dealing with PTSD (PNSD) from a relationship with a pathological narcissist, don’t be afraid to get help. There is light at the other side of the tunnel, and sustainable healing is possible!
Break the silence, break the cycle.