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What Are the Indicators of Narcissistic Abuse, And What Can Be Done to Prevent It

"There are narcissists and sociopaths everywhere. They are difficult to identify and difficult to manage." These are the words of a professor of psychology, narcissism expert, and author of Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism, Sam Vaknin. Revisited is the first book ever written about narcissistic abuse.

A narcissist may be your neighbour, boss, or co-worker, as well as a challenging lover, parent, or child. You may be dating a narcissist. Regardless of the culprit, individuals on the receiving end of a narcissist frequently endure a life of isolation, pain, and terror.

The elite ABHASA specialises in tailored mental health rehabilitation programmes, including therapy for narcissistic abuse-related issues. This blog discusses warning indicators and provides advice on what to do in response.

So, how can you determine if a narcissist exists in your life?

What Is Narcissistic Behaviour?

Most likely, the initial indications that your partner, boss, or friend is a narcissist will be subtle. In the beginning, they will lavish you with praise and, in romantic relationships, love. The connection may feel nearly ideal. When the first fractures develop, the individual's behaviour may include periodic outbursts of anger or an inability to accept any form of feedback or criticism. Or, they may begin making critical comments about your appearance or behaviour.

Typically, narcissists are authoritarian, directing their actions, where they go, and even how they dress. This will gradually emerge as the relationship progresses. The narcissist in your life will begin to disregard you and your demands, and if you attempt to reason with them, they may insult you with phrases like "you're being overdramatic" or "don't be so stupid." Your desires, thoughts, and needs are completely irrelevant to them since they lack empathy and are incapable of caring.

Narcissists exude a sense of superiority. They exhibit a sense of entitlement, seek frequent acclaim, and consider themselves superior. They may be pompous and arrogant, anticipating support from others. When a narcissist does not receive what he or she desires, he or she becomes irritable, unpleasant, and angry. A narcissist is easily offended and frequently moody. He (or she) will never recognise a problem with their own behaviour; the problem is always someone else's.

A narcissist has no problem with carelessly and brazenly ruining relationships.

Why are people narcissistic?

The narcissist, according to Professor Vaknin, is an "assemblage of personalities in one body." It is tough to characterise a narcissist since their behaviours fluctuate between two distinct categories. Although narcissists may look unpredictable, inscrutable, and sophisticated, they are basically "a very simple, binary machine" with "the behaviour of a two-year-old," according to Vaknin.

This, he explains, is the result of parenting that did not allow the child to withdraw from the mother adequately. The child has been unable to "individualise" and accept reality. Narcissists become such as a result of an emotionally unpleasant, negligent, or even abusive upbringing.

Relationships with narcissists are frequently built on superficial characteristics, such as attractiveness, power, and riches. The narcissist desires to surround himself or herself with people who reflect a grandiose image; hence, they are frequently attracted to those with strong personalities. Initially, the narcissist will idealise their partner and place them on a pedestal; this is the shared dream realm. They are attracted to people who reflect positively on themselves because they enjoy strutting their stuff. An initial impression of a narcissist is that they are likeable and engaging.

The narcissist gets disillusioned, dysregulated, and hostile as the relationship progresses (after the honeymoon stage ends). When the narcissist's behaviour changes, he or she will attempt to eliminate the talents and qualities they once admired. At this point, the narcissist is in the pathological narcissistic space, as described by Vaknin. The narcissist may become verbally abusive, manipulative, employ emotional blackmail, and gaslight at this point. They may withhold money, sex, or conversation to create emotional instability in their victim.

What can you do?

Narcissists are manipulative and exploitative, and the majority of them do not exhibit extreme narcissistic behaviour. In other words, the majority are not "typical" narcissists. Vaknin warns us, however, that narcissists are omnipresent. According to Vaknin, they have risen to the top in every sector of society, including politics, show business, law enforcement, the media, the judiciary, and religion. Everyone is acquainted with a narcissist.

The effect of this is enormous. Numerous victims of narcissistic abuse, especially those in the upper echelons of society, exist today.

So, what effect does this have on the recipients?

The majority of narcissistic abuse is emotional; however, physical and sexual abuse can sometimes occur. As in all abusive relationships, the abuser wears down the victim. Persistent emotional trauma over an extended period of time can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in victims (PTSD). It has been demonstrated that such continuous traumatic stress has a true physiological effect on the brain, impairing the ability to think clearly and the capacity to learn.

The victim's confidence and self-esteem are diminished as a result of the narcissist's persistent depreciation. Consider how you would feel if you were continually informed you were incorrect.

As the body internalises stress, it can induce short-term physical symptoms such as aches and pains, headaches, and digestive issues.

Long-lasting symptoms may include cognitive, behavioural, and emotional difficulties. For example, confusion, nightmares, poor thinking, poor attention, poor problem-solving, poor decision-making, poor memory, disorientation, feeling withdrawn, on edge, inability to rest, antisocial, hyperalert, feeling fear, guilt, or shame, irritability, anxiety, depression, anger, or feeling overwhelmed.

ABHASA luxury rehab centre is a private facility that specialises in mental health rehabilitation programmes for VIPs and other important persons. The distinctive ABHASA Concept ensures individualised precision medicine and individual one-on-one premium assistance, such as individual counselling and cutting-edge psychiatry, delivered by a highly qualified staff and network of specialists. The ABHASA concept is widely acknowledged as an effective treatment for narcissistic abuse.

If you are interested in learning more about the ABHASA concept, please contact us directly. Absolute discretion, trust, and humanism are ABHASA's primary priorities.

Prepared by: Ms.Nivedha L Narayanan, Centre Head at Abhasa Rehabilitation and Wellness Home
LinkedIn Id: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivedha-l-narayanan-1781b6120/

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