“Narcissistic victim syndrome” refers to the various and often severe consequences of narcissistic manipulation. While narcissist abuse isn’t a recognized mental health disease, many specialists agree that it can substantially and long-term impact on mental health. Here are 12 symptoms that you may have been the victim of narcissistic abuse with that in mind.
They usually look fine at first
They appear perfect at first glance – narcissistic abuse follows a predictable pattern. However, the pattern may vary based on the type of relationship the narcissists have with you.
According to new research from 2019, violence usually starts slowly after you’ve fallen hard in love in a love relationship. It’s no surprise they took you in. They appeared friendly, caring, and generous during the love-bombing phase. With gushing comments, emotional displays, and expensive gifts, they make you feel special and adored
You may not have considered whether they were too impressive at this early stage because they were so intense and overwhelming. Then, over time, negging or other forms of manipulation began to take the place of presents and declarations of affection.
Narcissistic parents may offer love, admiration, praise, and financial support until you displease them and lose their favor. They, too, frequently employ negging, silent treatment, and gaslighting techniques.
You believed you were in the ideal relationship.
People with narcissistic personality disorder have similar patterns in which the connection begins intensely romantically.
It’s all so perfect at the start of a relationship. Their companion appeared to be romantic, faithful, kind, and generous. They were lavished with attention, kindness, and loyalty, and they would fall hard and fast in love like a trap. They eventually believe that the fairytale-like romance that everyone desires is feasible, only to gradually understand that it was all a lie.
After a few months or years, the remarks that used to make you blush have turned into words that make you feel bad about yourself. Someone who had previously supported you and lavished you with love and attention had morphed into someone who believes you are incompetent.
You feel exposed and alone.
Another feature of being in a relationship with a narcissist is not manifest outside of the relationship. Manipulation is a skill that narcissists excel at. They can demonstrate to everyone that you and your partner are in a fantastic relationship. If you try to inform others about the problem, they may side with you.
This can make the abused person feel isolated.
You begin to isolate yourself because you believe no one will believe you. Instead of challenging you, these folks might start questioning you. You become more vulnerable to your narcissistic partner as you gradually withdraw from society. You believe you are trapped and that there is no way out of your misery.
A feeling of mistrust
You tend to distrust people’s motives as a coping tactic, especially if you have experienced narcissistic abuse from someone close to you. The abuser persuades you that your feelings and experiences are invalid, and as a result, you are unable to trust others or yourself.
Isolation from others
Although abusers isolate their victims, you withdraw yourself because you are ashamed of being mistreated. Victims fear that no one would understand them and, rather than seeking treatment, choose to isolate themselves to avoid the shame and condemnation of their abusers.
Narcissists feel that no one will understand them. This is what leads them to isolation. This allows the abuser to entice you back in by offering warmth, making false apologies, or even pretending the abuse never happened.
Strive towards perfection.
Narcissists usually strive for perfection. As soon as they find out you are not perfect, they start treating you as somebody who’s very inferior to them. They try to make you change, and when this does not happen, they get irritated.
If you have been through narcissistic abuse victim syndrome, you will know how politely they start and how aggressively they end.
However, even if you agree to wear a dress instead of slacks or attend dinner with your partner’s boss instead of friends, these tactics are unlikely to stop.
Responsibilities for failure are being delegated.
A narcissist will never want to admit their wrongdoings or failures. So they will continue to blame it on you until you become stressed or anxious. This is just their way to make people realize how amazing they are. They will try to persuade everybody around them that they are perfect and all the drawback is in their partners.
It is tough to live your entire life with a narcissist. Many people try to end their relationship in a messed-up situation because they feel they can’t do it anymore. Moreover, some people might never come into another relationship due to this ever-lasting trauma.
Suicidal ideation or self-harming inclinations are present in your life.
Narcissistic abuse victim syndrome often suffers from depression and anxiety. Your situation feels intolerable as if you wouldn’t be able to flee even if you wanted to. The victim develop a sense of helplessness that makes them feel like they don’t want to live another day. You might even self-harm as a coping mechanism.
You sabotage and destroy yourself.
Victims frequently meditate on the abuse and hear the abuser’s voice in their heads, which amplifies their negative self-talk and penchant for self-sabotage. Narcissists sometimes irritate their victims to the point of suicide.
Bottom Line:
In conclusion, we can say that abuse of any form can severely impact one’s mental and physical health. You may feel neglected and unsupported if your loved ones continue to doubt you or encourage you to move on. This can make it challenging to regain your trust in others, leaving you feeling isolated and alone.
Therapy can help you start healing, whether you’re just noticing the first signs of narcissistic manipulation or you’re still trying to make sense of an abusive relationship you’ve already left.
