Sometimes caring can feel confusing–you find yourself endlessly giving, yet it never seems to be enough. You often second-guess or apologise for things you didn’t do, never quite sure what might upset them. If this sounds familiar, there is a chance that you might be dealing with someone exhibiting narcissistic traits.
In a world, where words like narcissism are commonly thrown around, it’s important for us to take a moment and understand what it truly means–how it impacts people in close circles. Narcissism exists on a spectrum. It isn’t always loud or explicit; it can come in different forms, masked behind ‘good intentions’ as well. These traits can slowly cause mental fatigue and emotional confusion in the people around them. Hence it becomes important to look out for these signs and take the necessary steps to protect your well-being.
A quick self-check
- You feel emotionally drained or confused after most interactions
- There is always a shift of blame- nothing ever seems to be their fault
- You often suppress your own needs just to maintain peace.
- You experience a persistent feeling that you are ‘not good enough’ around them
If these resonate with you, then it might be time to pause and reflect. Narcissistic traits can be persistent and deeply rooted, leaving a lasting impact on your mental, emotional and physical health. Some of the long term impacts include:
Low self-esteem: Constant criticism and belittling can erode your self-worth. Over time, you may internalise false narratives and struggle with self-doubt.
Relationship difficulties: These experiences can affect your ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. As this can cause trust issues, poor boundaries and emotional isolation. Physical Health Symptoms: The well-researched mind-body connection brings about the impact of our mental health on our physical health. This resulting state of constant emotional distress can lead to various physical ailments such as headaches, gut related concerns, physical fatigue and many more.
Mental Health Concerns: This can create emotional dysregulation where you may find it difficult to even carry out day to day functions properly. It can lead to anxiety, depression and various other mental health concerns.
These behaviours often thrive in silence and chaos, being aware of what’s happening becomes key here. The journey towards mental clarity starts with recognizing these patterns.
Navigating Life Around These Dynamics
Psycho-education: Educating yourself and understanding narcissism can provide clarity in terms of the various behaviours exhibited. This will help you identify what it is and that you are not imagining things.
Setting Boundaries: expressing that you are not okay with something or letting them know that you would like some space are some simple but powerful ways to start with. It is necessary to clearly express your boundaries and stick by them.
Building support networks: Lean on to people you can trust. This will aid in reducing feelings of isolation and helps you feel validated.
Reclaim your peace: Reconnect with things that bring you joy. Journaling, mindfulness and other similar activities help you get in touch with your own thoughts and values, thereby claiming back your narrative.
Seek therapy: Therapy can help you in this journey of re-connecting with yourself. It can be grounding and also help you with strategies to navigate these situations.
Recognising these traits in someone close can be overwhelming. It is okay to feel confused and hurt while navigating through these dynamics. By becoming aware and seeking support, you are choosing a path towards emotional well-being- a powerful act of self-love.