Sign 3: Emotional Dysregulation.
When someone deals with CPTSD from a narcissistic relationship, their emotions can go on a wild roller coaster ride. Imagine feeling super angry one moment, then suddenly hit with sadness that feels like a heavyweight. Psychologists talk about this like a seesaw going bonkers. You might have moments when your emotions skyrocket, getting furious over small stuff or just shutting down, feeling nothing. Your feelings are on autopilot, and you struggle to find that chill middle spot. Psychologists mention how this constant up and down can affect a person’s sense of stability, making it tough to navigate daily life smoothly.
A Book: Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men.
Sign 4: Avoidance and Isolation.
When someone’s been through narcissistic abuse, they might start dodging places or people that remind them of that painful situation. Imagine feeling uneasy about going to a cafe where you and the narcissist used to hang out—it’s like a reminder of stuff you’d rather forget. This avoidance is a way of coping with the big emotions that come with those memories. After dealing with a narcissistic relationship, people might just want to take a break from the social scene. They might feel like they’re not up to scratch or worry that others might see them differently. It feels like this tug of war between wanting to connect with people and fearing what might come with it. This retreat from social stuff is the mind’s way of trying to keep them safe from the hurtful memories tied to the narcissistic situation.
Sign 5: Difficulty Trusting Others.
When someone’s been through the ringer with a narcissist, trust becomes a whole different ball game. Suppose you’ve had a relationship where you got majorly played, lied to, or manipulated. Now, when you meet new people, it’s like your trust radar is on high alert. Letting someone new in is tricky because you fear history repeating itself. Psychologists note that this difficulty in trusting again is common for people who’ve been through narcissistic abuse. Your brain has learned from the past and wants to protect you from getting hurt again. So, even if you meet someone awesome, your brain will warn you: whoa, hold up, do you remember what happened last time? It’s like a natural defense mechanism kicking in to keep you safe.
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