Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse that is inflicted by someone who has narcissistic traits or a Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). The abuse can take many forms, including manipulation, gaslighting, verbal abuse, and even physical abuse. It can be difficult to identify narcissistic abuse, as it often takes place gradually and subtly over time. In this article, we will discuss the signs that you are suffering from narcissistic abuse.

You Feel Like You Are Walking on Eggshells

One of the hallmarks of narcissistic abuse is that it creates an environment where you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells. You may feel like you can never do anything right or that you are always doing something to upset your abuser. This can make you feel anxious and uncertain about your place in the relationship.

You Feel Like You Are Not Good Enough

Narcissistic abusers often use tactics such as criticism, put-downs, and belittling to make you feel like you are not good enough. They may constantly point out your flaws and make you feel like you are not worthy of love or respect. This can have a devastating impact on your self-esteem and self-worth.

You Are Constantly Blamed for Everything

Narcissistic abusers rarely take responsibility for their actions. Instead, they blame others for their problems and shortcomings. If you are in a relationship with a narcissistic abuser, you may find that you are constantly being blamed for everything that goes wrong in the relationship. This can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated.

You Are Isolated from Your Support System

Narcissistic abusers often try to isolate their victims from their support system. They may discourage you from spending time with friends and family, or they may actively try to drive a wedge between you and your loved ones. This can leave you feeling alone and vulnerable, with no one to turn to for help or support.

You Are Gaslit

Gaslighting is a tactic used by narcissistic abusers to make you question your sanity. They may deny things they said or did or twist your words to make it seem like you are the one who is confused or mistaken. This can make you feel like you are losing your mind and cause you to doubt your perceptions.

You Are Threatened or Intimidated

Narcissistic abusers may use threats or intimidation to control their victims. They may threaten to harm you, your loved ones, or your reputation if you do not comply with their demands. This can be a terrifying experience and leave you feeling trapped and powerless.

You Are Made to Feel Guilty for Standing Up for Yourself

If you try to stand up for yourself against a narcissistic abuser, they may turn the tables on you and make you feel guilty for your actions. They may accuse you of being selfish, ungrateful, or unreasonable. This can make it difficult for you to assert yourself and leave you feeling trapped in the relationship.

Online counselling can be a helpful tool in dealing with narcissistic abuse. Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse that can leave the victim feeling isolated, confused, and unsure of themselves. Online counseling, also known as e-therapy or teletherapy, can provide a safe and supportive environment for victims of narcissistic abuse to process their experiences and work toward healing.

One of the benefits of online counseling is that it is accessible and convenient. Victims of narcissistic abuse may be hesitant to seek help in person due to fear of retaliation or the difficulty of leaving the abuser's presence. Online counseling allows victims to receive support from the comfort and safety of their own homes. This can be especially important for individuals who may be living with their abuser or who have limited resources.

Online counseling can provide a supportive and validating space for individuals who have experienced narcissistic abuse. A skilled online therapist can help the individual identify and validate their experiences, as well as provide tools for coping and healing. The therapist can also help the individual understand the nature of narcissistic abuse and how it can impact their mental health and well-being.

Online counseling can also provide resources for safety planning and advocacy. The therapist can work with the individual to develop a plan for managing their safety, including ways to stay safe and steps to take if they need to leave the abusive situation. The therapist can also provide referrals to local resources and organizations that specialize in supporting victims of narcissistic abuse.

Online counseling can also provide ongoing support and accountability. Narcissistic abuse can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being. Seeking help from the best therapists can be a transformative journey as the individual develops coping skills and strategies for managing symptoms, as well as providing ongoing support and guidance as they work towards healing.

In conclusion, narcissistic abuse can take many forms, but it is always damaging to the victim. If you are experiencing any of the signs listed above, it is important to seek help. You may want to consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in narcissistic abuse or a domestic violence hotline. Remember that you have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and that you can get assistance.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Aditi Bhardwaj, Psychologist