Understanding The Importance Of World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day
World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day falls on June 1. This day can provide an opportunity to support those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, educate the public about narcissistic abuse, and promote healing for survivors. Those who have experienced narcissistic abuse may benefit from working with a licensed mental health professional in order to heal.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
History of World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day
In 2016, World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day was first honored by psychotherapist Bree Bonchay. This day was initiated primarily to spread awareness about narcissistic abuse and its effects, as well as how to spot the signs of narcissistic abuse and how to heal from it.
World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day may be a particularly effective way to raise awareness about this type of abuse because it can shine a light on the fact that narcissistic abuse can be difficult to pinpoint. People in romantic relationships or other close relationships with individuals who have narcissistic personality disorder may struggle to recognize the signs of abuse.
While physical abuse often leaves cuts, bruises, and other clear signs, narcissistic abuse tends to be harder to identify. By honoring World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day, we can call attention to the subtle signs of narcissistic abuse and encourage affected individuals to seek help.
What is narcissistic abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a term that generally describes a type of emotional abuse that individuals may experience at the hands of a person with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or other personality disorders that affect a person’s empathy levels.
People who have NPD may have low empathy, a disregard for others’ feelings, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a preoccupation with beauty, power, or success. People who are close to those with NPD may experience abuse in the form of manipulation, shaming, and being made to believe that their needs and experiences are invalid.
Narcissistic abuse can affect anyone who is close to someone with NPD, including children, romantic partners, friends, family members, and even employees.
Not all narcissistic abuse may be perpetuated by people with NPD, but the personality disorder can be commonly associated with narcissistic abuse. People with NPD often only care about their own feelings and experiences and may blame, shame, and manipulate those around them to get what they want.
For people close to those with NPD, this can take a significant toll on their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The effects of narcissistic abuse can range from mild to severe.
Understanding the effects of narcissistic abuse
Even when someone ends a relationship with a narcissistic abuser, the devastating effects of the abuse may remain. Many people who experience narcissistic abuse experience the following struggles:
Anxiety
If you have experienced abuse from someone with NPD, you may struggle with anxiety due to the person’s controlling or manipulative behavior. You may also experience anxiety in relationships with other people due to negative experiences with your abuser. Working with a therapist may lessen your symptoms and can be particularly useful if you experience anxiety attacks, panic attacks, or hypervigilance.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It can be common for survivors of narcissistic abuse to have symptoms of PTSD. Being with an abusive partner can cause significant fear and distress, potentially leading the brain to be on high alert for threats. Even after someone has left an abusive situation, they may still experience flashbacks, panic, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and other PTSD symptoms related to their abuser’s behavior.
Depression
Depression can be another common symptom for survivors of narcissistic abuse. Depression can develop due to being made to feel small, unimportant, or worthless. These feelings of sadness and low self-esteem can persist even once someone has left an abusive situation.
Low self-worth
In addition to telling their partners they are useless, stupid, or worthless, narcissistic abusers may gaslight their partners into believing they don’t know what they’re talking about. This can lead individuals to question their own judgment and begin not to trust themselves, ultimately resulting in low self-worth.
Physical health problems
The effects of narcissistic abuse often extend beyond mental health concerns. People experiencing or recovering from abuse may experience physical ailments, such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep issues.
Cognitive challenges
Experiencing narcissistic abuse may affect a person’s ability to focus or concentrate on everyday tasks. This may be especially problematic if an individual experiences traumatic memories or flashbacks related to the abuse.
Emotional problems
People who have survived narcissistic abuse may find it difficult to regulate their emotions. They may also struggle to validate their own feelings if they have been repeatedly told they are wrong or unimportant.
Trust issues
After being close to someone who treated them badly, survivors of narcissistic abuse may struggle to trust other people enough to get close to them or form relationships. Engaging in self-care and working with a mental health professional can improve one’s ability to trust.
Do you know someone experiencing narcissistic abuse?
Because emotional abuse, including narcissistic abuse, often has no physical signs, you may be unable to tell if one of your loved ones is living with this type of abuse. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may suggest a person is experiencing narcissistic abuse, including the following:
- People-pleasing tendencies
- Self-destructive habits
- Low self-esteem
- A lack of trust in oneself
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms
Additionally, if you witness your loved one’s partner engaging in abusive behavior, such as manipulating, gaslighting, shaming, or belittling, this could be indicative of a pattern of narcissistic abuse.
Treatment for narcissistic abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing narcissistic abuse, know that there are options to help you heal. You may find interventions like leaving the relationship, working with a therapist, or investing more time into self-care to be useful tools in healing from narcissistic abuse. Below, we offer more treatment options.
Join a support group
You can find in-person and online support groups for those healing from or experiencing narcissistic abuse. In these groups, you can process your emotions and discuss your experiences with other people who understand what you’ve been through.
Validate your feelings
When you’re experiencing or healing from narcissistic abuse, it’s likely you will feel a lot of difficult emotions, including grief, fear, rage, confusion, and more. It can be important to validate to yourself that it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling, and you do not need to judge yourself for your feelings.
Work with a therapist
The amount of trauma a person has from experiencing narcissistic abuse often varies from person to person. Especially for those who have experienced severe abuse, working with a therapist can be an effective way to process their feelings and memories and learn to move on from their trauma.
Educate yourself and others
Educating people on the signs and dangers of narcissistic abuse can be empowering. By equipping yourself and others with knowledge about this kind of abuse, you can also help yourself heal and move forward.
Mental health support
Many survivors of abuse or those with traumatic experiences struggle with mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or is struggling with the aftermath of narcissistic abuse, know that there are options available to help you.
You may wish to try lifestyle changes to improve your mental health, but for some individuals, assistance from a mental health professional may be needed. Working with a therapist can help you address anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions you may be facing. By working with a licensed mental health professional, you can engage in self-reflection and work through your trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
Additionally, online therapy can be a convenient option for healing from trauma. With online therapy, you can receive care from your home, which may be more comfortable for survivors of abuse.
A 2022 study reported that online therapy for PTSD (which can arise in response to narcissistic abuse) could be just as effective as in-person treatment.
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