Narcissistic Abuse:
Narcissistic abuse refers to the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical harm inflicted by someone with narcissistic traits or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). This kind of abuse is often manipulative, controlling, and deeply damaging, though it can be subtle and hard to identify at first.
Common Signs of Narcissistic Abuse:
- Gaslighting – Making you question your reality or sanity.
- Love bombing – Overwhelming you with affection and attention early on, then withdrawing it to control you.
- Devaluation – Criticizing, belittling, or undermining you after gaining your trust.
- Triangulation – Involving others to manipulate or isolate you.
- Blame shifting – Refusing responsibility and blaming you for problems.
- Silent treatment – Withholding communication as punishment.
- Projection – Accusing you of things they are actually doing.
Effects on Victims:
- Loss of self-esteem and identity
- Anxiety and depression
- PTSD or complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Emotional confusion and trauma bonding (feeling attached despite the abuse)
What to Do:
- Document behavior for your own clarity
- Set boundaries (and enforce them)
- Seek support – therapy, support groups, or trusted friends
- Consider no contact if the abuse is ongoing and severe
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 