Effects of narcissistic abuse can vary depending on how long one can endure these types of relationships.
Anxiety
Many narcissistic abuse survivors live with anxiety.
After experiencing narcissistic abuse, you may experience extreme fear or anxiety in relationships with new people.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
Depression
Many people who have experienced narcissistic abuse also developdepression.
Post-Traumatic Stress
As a narcissistic abuse survivor, you will likely have symptoms ofpost-traumatic stress.
Your brain will be on high alert, looking out for danger.
This is because the traumatic events triggered afight or flight responsewithin you.
As a result, anything associated with those memories can trigger an anxiety attack.
After experiencing narcissistic abuse, you may feel the need to be on guard 24/7.
Victims of narcissists often mention that they never knew what their abuser was going to do next.
You may also steer clear of certain situations or things that remind you of the abuse.
This can range from avoiding certain places or particular people.
Loss of Sense of Self and Self-Worth
You may feel as if you have completely lost yourself.
Narcissistic abuse is a form of brainwashing, and as such, it can destroy yoursense of self-worth.
You may no longer feel like the person you were before all this began.
This can lead to shame and embarrassment, which may often stop you from reaching out for help.
You may also have trouble making decisions.
You may get confused by simple decisions, or you might feel unable to make any decision at all.
Narcissistic abusers will often have a go at derail your goals and aspirations.
You may also have trouble focusing on your goals and dreams.
This could be because you’re still preoccupied with thoughts of what happened to you.
You may also havedifficulty sleepingafter experiencing narcissistic abuse.
You may be stressed about what happened and find it difficult to shut off your brain at night.
Or, you could end up havingnightmaresthat haunt you for days afterward.
Memories of traumatic events are known to interfere with concentration and focus.
You may experiencememory loss, especially short-term.
This is because the brain releases a surge of stress hormones when traumatized, affecting thehippocampus regionin your brain.
Or, you may find yourself feeling emotionless and like a robot.
You might experiencedepersonalizationwhere it feels as if everything around you is not accurate.
You might even feel the need to exact revenge against your abuser.
But this hatred towards them only creates more stress and anxiety, which perpetuates mental health problems.
You may also have trouble making decisions due to a lack of self-worth.
You may get confused by simple decisions, or you might feel unable to make any decision at all.
This can be a tactic used by narcissists to keep their victims trapped in thecycle of abuse.
Trust Issues
After experiencing narcissistic abuse, your trust levels will likely be very low.
This issue may lead to other problems such associal anxiety.
People Pleasing
You may become apeople pleaserand attempt to make people like you.
To avoid confrontation from a narcissist abuser, you likely bottled up your feelings.
Self-Destructive Habits
Another effect of narcissistic abuse can beself-destructive habits.
You may experience problems with addiction such as drinking, smoking, and even food addiction or overspending.
These addictions may be a way to numb emotional pain.
What’s more, you may have lost friends and family members along the way due to self-isolation.
If you are struggling, it’s important to find ways to heal.
Find out which option is the best for you.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Howard V.Recognising Narcissistic Abuse and the Implications for Mental Health Nursing Practice.Issues Ment Health Nurs.
2021;8(1):4.
Published 2020 Aug 14. doi:10.1186/s40479-020-00132-8
