Journey to Peace

Victims of narcissist abuse syndrome may display signs of emotional abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, verbal abuse, and domestic abuse. Victims in abusive relationships experience emotional and sometimes physical damage.

Psychological violence can include sabotage, smear campaigns, stonewalling, and various forms of coercion and control. Chronic abuse can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in victims who experienced other traumas. The result of narcissistic abuse can also include a pervasive sense of shame, overwhelming feelings of helplessness, and emotional flashbacks.

When a victim is in the middle of a narcissistic abuse cycle it’s difficult to identify or name the experience since narcissists are expert manipulators and can twist reality to suit their needs. Victims may experience dissociation, during which they feel emotionally or physically detached from the environment. This disrupts their perception of reality and memory.

Victims may put aside their own needs to please a narcissistic abuser. Chronic stress triggered by emotional and psychological abuse can create physical health issues such as premature aging, weight gain or loss, and a suppressed immune system. In addition to depression and anxiety that are associated with victims of narcissistic abuse syndrome, victims may also experience self-harming tendencies or suicidal ideation.

Chronic Fatiue: 

This is one of the most common ways narcissistic abuse affects your health. Think of the abuser as an energy vampire who sucks the life out of you. Victims of narcissistic abuse syndrome have trouble sleeping and lack the motivation and energy to do anything

Chronic Stress:

This is another common way victims experience physical symptoms of abuse. The demands and pressure of the abuser increase stress levels, which triggers stress-related physical problems such as high blood pressure, fatigue, digestive problems, and headaches. ‍

Loss of selfworth:

Narcissistic abuse is a form of brainwashing. The victim no longer feels like the person they were before the abuse began, and they do not recognize themselves. Victims may experience trust issues, self-doubt, shame, and embarrassment

Brain Damage:

Repeated emotional trauma can shrink areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning and grow areas responsible for fear, guilt, and shame. These changes can lead to cognitive problems, such as concentrating on tasks and memory loss. It is also common for victims to experience emotional lability, or mood swings, that are accompanied by irritability.‍

Self Destructive:

Victims may feel as if they need to punish themselves or use self-destructive behaviors to create a short-term escape from the situation. These behaviors can include substance use, overeating, overspending, or consuming large amounts of alcohol.‍

• Strategies for healing include recognizing emotional abuse, documenting feelings, focusing on personal needs, creating a support system, and starting therapy.