#IfMyWoundsWereVisible

1 June 2018 | World Narcissistic Abuse Day

What is narcissist abuse?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (PSD) is a personality disorder with a long-term pattern of abnormal behaviour characterised by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

For many of us who have suffered at the hands of narcissists, the effects and suffering can be devastating and can last for years. Many also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD.

Narcissistic abuse (a form of psychological and emotional abuse) is incredibly damaging, which is why I have written a number of articles to help raise awareness of this important issue today. Many people are unaware that they are being abused. Many people are aware but are lost in the abusive cycle of narcissistic abuse.

The hashtag, #IfMyWoundsWereVisible, was set up because unlike physical abuse which leaves visible marks or bruises and qualifies as an act of domestic violence, narcissistic abuse is invisible. Mental, verbal, emotional, financial abuse are all forms of domestic abuse and the wounds are very real. Much of the abuse is covert and insidious. Narcissists will deny anything they have done. They will lie, cheat on you, yet appearing loving and charming at the same time causing their victim cognitive dissonance.

We are a generation obsessed with attention-seeking selfies and social media. You might be able to recall the story of Narcissus who falls in love with his own reflection. However Narcissism is more than an obsession with self and sense of grandiosity.

Narcissists will lie and manipulate, deny what’s real and attempt to control a victim any way they can. Victims of narcissistic abuse are kept in a constant state of confusion; the focus of love-bombing one day and yet are walking on eggshells to avoid being verbally abused. Isolating victims from friends and family is designed to maintain power over their victim. A narcissist will not take responsibility for their actions and will blame everyone around them. Typically, they often project to shift the blame. If they accuse you of cheating, that means they are probably doing this themselves. it’s crazy behaviour, but somehow you are led to believe that you are the one who is crazy.

Cycle of abuse

Narcissistic abuse usually follows a cycle which is defined by three stages: Love-Bombing > Devaluation > Discard. I will walk you through each of the stages now.

Love-Bombing:

Your significant other will tell you how much they love you and you will feel that you have met your soul-mate. Any red flags you will ignore because how in love you feel. When you are in this stage, you feel elated. The narcissist will ‘love-bomb’ until they have created a bond with you. In a calculated move they will ‘mirror’ your wants, dreams and desires. What’s actually happening is that you are being drawn into a toxic, obsessive, demanding relationship.

Devaluation:

Once you were perfect in the eyes of the Narcissist. Suddenly nothing you do is right anymore. You crave the times you felt loved and desired. You have fallen off their pedestal in the devaluing stage of the relationship. What the victim doesn’t realise is that these intimate moments were engineered by the narcissist, for you to become attached and not to leave them. Occasional moments of affection means that a trauma bond is formed with the abuser, who has tested us many times before to see what we will endure and what our threshold of abuse is. However, this painful and bewildering stage leads on to…

Discard:

The discard. Exhausted, confused and unhappy, you will be discarded in the most horrendous way. Your narcissist will by now have their ‘new supply’ (“NS”) already lined up. Remember they constantly need attention to feel valued.  You are no longer perfect in their eyes. Their attention will now be focussed on the new supply. Who will be triangulated with you? You will be feeling depressed, worthless and sad. Wondering what happened.

Trauma Bonding

Traumatic bonding occurs as the result of ongoing cycles of abuse in which the intermittent reinforcement of reward and punishment creates powerful emotional bonds with the victim. People ask why victims don’t just walk away the minute they are being intimidated, shouted out, verbally abused…this is why.

PTSD & Recovery

Many survivors of narcissistic abuse suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder following the end of the relationship. Many people suffer such unbelievable emotional, financial, verbal abuse that it takes a long time to recover from the trauma. Please do get professional help from someone who has been trained in narcissistic abuse.

WNAAD Survivor Empowerment Telesummit

Empower yourself as you listen to leading industry experts and thought leaders share their insights and advice about how to heal from the trauma of narcissistic abuse and deal with the aftermath of a toxic relationship. Take a deep dive into the most pressing issues survivors face:

• Codependency
• Cognitive Dissonance & Toxic Relationship Relapse Prevention
• C-PTSD Recovery
• Trauma Treatment & Building Resilience
• Neuro Reactions of Victims & Optimal Condition For Healing
• The Brain & Behavior of Pathological Narcissists & How Not Become A Source of Supply
• Legal Considerations When Leaving An Abuser
• The Personality Science of Why You’re Targeted
• Coping With Narcissism in The Workplace

and much more…

When:  June 1-2, 2018
Where: It’s a pre-recorded, virtual event. Listen from the comfort of your own home
How: All you need is an internet connection

 Access is free for a limited time!

You’ll receive an instant email after you sign up with all the information you need to know to attend.