Busting some misconceptions about narcissistic abuse because I can.
"Narcissistic abuse is no different from any other type of abuse."
Wrong. Narcissistic abuse can take the form of any other type of abuse, but the purpose for it and therefore the way it is perpetrated is very different.
"Narcissistic abuse is abuse perpetrated by a person with Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)"
Incorrect. Anybody can perpetrate narcissistic abuse and there is no evidence to suggest people with NPD are more likely to be abusers than any other.
"Narcissism and NPD are the same thing."
False. Narcissism is a personality type defined by being self centered or vain to a fault. NPD is a personality disorder diagnosed by medical professionals and can be expressed in over 100 different ways.
People who are narcissistic can recover and change the fact that they're narcissistic. People diagnosed with NPD can recover, but cannot change the fact that they have NPD.
"There is no definition of narcissistic abuse."
True and false. While every expert who discusses narcissistic abuse may use different terminology to define it, the common theme is that the person perpetrating feels joy or satisfaction in harming, scaring or controlling their victim.
On my blog I define narcissistic abuse as "abuse perpetrated for the purpose of satisfying narcissistic delusion.
"People with NPD are narcissists."
Maybe, but mostly no. Some people who are diagnosed with NPD like to self identify as "narcissists" as a shorthand for their disorder. This is not the name of the disorder and you shouldn't refer to people with NPD as "Narcissists" as it's not an accurate or particularly universal term.
Some people who are not diagnosed with NPD like to self identify as narcissists to describe their personality type. It's important to distinguish between "narcissists" and "narcissistic abusers." A narcissistic abuser is not the same thing as a narcissist.
"Narcissism is the mental illness that causes abuse."
Untrue. No accredited mental health body today recognises narcissism as a mental health disorder and no practising mental health professional in good standing will say that there is a psychological disorder that causes abuse.
Perpetrating narcissistic abuse is a choice made by abusers, completely seperate from trauma or mental illness or their lived experience.
"People with NPD are offended by the term 'narcissistic abuse' so we should stop using it."
Recently people who identify as narcissists have taken umbrage against the term 'narcissistic abuse.' The reasons varying from an argument that the term 'narcissist' can never be separated from the disorder NPD, to the argument that people using the term are armchair diagnosing their abusers with NPD and further stigmatising the disorder.
The truth is the term 'narcissist' has been seperate from the disorder NPD since the disorder was first recognised in the DSM in 1980, and the solution to people using the terms "narcissist" and NPD interchangeably is to educate them, not ban the use of terminology that might potentially be misused altogether.
"If you can spot a narcissist you can evade abuse."
This is unfortunately false. Lots of online articles can promise you "10 ways to spot a narcissist" but usually all they're teaching you to do is to be wary of neurodivergent people. The truth is the only real way to evade abuse is to spot red flags for future abusive behaviour and know to get out before the abuse starts.
"There is no evidence that narcissistic abuse is real."
Aside from the stories of survivors of abuse and their families, or the loved ones of those who sadly didn't survive their abuser, all sharing commonalities in what happened to them, narcissistic abuse is well documented.
Therapists specialising in abuse recovery recognise narcissistic abuse and treat survivors of narcissistic abuse every day. Mental health educators discuss the psychology of the narcissistic abuser and the narcissistic abuse survivor in their dissertations or thesis papers and professionals study those papers to write resources like books and guides for those recovering from narcissistic abuse.
Narcissistic abuse is well documented and the general consensus in the psychology world is that it is real.
Feel free to drop any questions into my asks and I'll be happy to answer.
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Red Flags: Navigating the Deceptive Charm of Narcissists
Navigating the world of relationships can be a complex and often challenging endeavor. While some connections bring joy, fulfillment, and support, others can lead to emotional turmoil, manipulation, and even abuse. Narcissists, individuals characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, can pose a significant threat to our emotional well-being.
Identifying narcissistic traits early on can be crucial in protecting ourselves from their harmful influence. While some narcissists may become more overt with their controlling and manipulative behavior over time, many exhibit early warning signs that, if recognized, can serve as red flags to steer clear.
1. Excessive Flattery and Attention Seeking
Narcissists often shower potential partners with excessive flattery, compliments, and attention. This love-bombing phase serves to quickly capture your attention and hook you into the relationship. However, this initial adoration often masks their deep insecurities and need for constant validation.
2. A Lack of Genuine Interest in Your Life
While narcissists seem attentive and interested in your life initially, their focus often centers on extracting information about your strengths, achievements, and connections. They may even mirror your interests and values to appear compatible, but this mimicry lacks genuine depth or understanding.
3. An Inability to Take No for an Answer
Narcissists often have trouble respecting boundaries and accepting rejection. If you express a reluctance to engage in certain activities or make certain decisions, they may persist, pressure you, or even resort to guilt-tripping or manipulation.
4. A Lack of Empathy and Emotional Awareness
Narcissists struggle to understand and respond to the emotions of others. They may dismiss your feelings, invalidate your experiences, or even blame you for their own emotional outbursts. Their inability to connect emotionally can leave you feeling isolated and unheard.
5. A History of Toxic Relationships
Narcissists often have a pattern of tumultuous relationships characterized by conflict, drama, and breakups. Their tendency to blame others for their problems and their inability to maintain healthy connections can serve as a warning sign of their underlying issues.
6. A Need for Control and Power
Narcissists often desire to maintain control over every aspect of their relationships. They may dictate the pace of the relationship, make unilateral decisions, and even isolate you from your friends and family. This need for control can erode your independence and sense of self.
7. A Dishonest and Unreliable Nature
Narcissists often engage in deceit and manipulation to maintain their image and preserve their supply of admiration. They may lie, exaggerate, or fabricate stories to gain your trust or escape accountability.
8. A Lack of Emotional Maturity and Responsibility
Narcissists often exhibit a childlike level of emotional maturity, seeking immediate gratification and lacking a sense of responsibility for their actions. They may blame others for their mistakes, refuse to take accountability, and avoid addressing personal issues.
9. A Pattern of Gaslighting and Blame Shifting
Narcissists may employ gaslighting tactics, manipulating you into questioning your own perceptions and sanity. They may distort events, deny reality, or project their own faults onto you to maintain their position of power.
10. A Lack of Genuine Appreciation and Gratitude
Despite your efforts and sacrifices, narcissists often fail to show genuine appreciation or gratitude. Their focus remains on their own needs and desires, leaving you feeling taken for granted and unvalued.
Recognizing the Red Flags
While it's important to exercise caution in drawing conclusions about someone's character early on, being aware of these red flags can serve as a protective shield against the potentially harmful influence of narcissists. Remember, trust your instincts and intuition. If something feels off or you're experiencing uncomfortable or manipulative behavior, it's important to speak up and set boundaries. If the person persists in disregard for your well-being or shows no willingness to address their problematic behaviors, it may be time to consider distancing yourself from the relationship.
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Grade 10
Week 1 - Introductions
The teacher introduces themselves to the class and talks about the importance of the class.
The students introduce themselves individually, talking about 3 of their hobbies, and what they expect to learn this year.
The teacher introduces what they're going to learn in the coming weeks.
Week 2 - Toxicity; information
The teacher asks the students if they know what toxicity is, and who they think can be toxic/what can be a toxic relationship.
Who are toxic people?
Toxic people are people who hurt others verbally. This can be done in multiple ways, and there are multiple subtypes of toxic people. The general toxic person is someone who
Manipulates you into doing something you do want to.
You aren't comfortable around them or feel you must change something major about yourself to be around them.
You feel bad when you're around them/with them/ hanging out with them.
You have to defend this person for their actions all the time to everyone (not one action they have done, nor an ideology)
They're always in the right; they say everyone else is an asshole in their life.
People could show toxicity in their lifetime, but it does not mean they are toxic. Toxic people can also change.
Anyone in your life can be toxic, even your family, friends, partner, classmates… Toxic people affect your life badly, like affecting your mental health.
Here are some signs that someone is toxic (remember, this has to be happening for a long time, and more than two have to be happening for someone to be considered toxic):
Inconsistency
Some people can have bad days, and they cancel their plans to hang out. They could have another, more important thing to attend to. Toxic people on the other hand do this most times you decide to hang out, and they're very inconsistent in how they do it, not giving a valid reason most of the time. They also don't give out warnings and play it off. Asking them could trigger a bad reaction from them.
Attention Seeking.
Attention-seeking people are not always toxic. They always want your attention by constantly calling you, sending messages, or coming over unannounced. They always need emotional support from you; everything is constantly being pointed toward them, only talk about themselves. They always need confirmation that they're great or the best and could be narcissistic.
Drama
They always have a lot of drama surrounding this person, which could indicate toxicity. They love drama, and they always follow the drama or cause drama. The drama doesn't always have to revolve around them or include them at all!
Don't respect boundaries.
If they don't respect boundaries you've made clear, constantly disrespecting you, it's a sign of a toxic person. Often, this disrespect of boundaries is intentional to some level.
Manipulation
They take advantage of their surroundings. They love to create a world they see fit, even if it means lying, changing the truth, hiding facts, exaggerating… They wouldn't mind hurting people in the process.
Addiction/substance abuse
Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs could be a sign of toxicity. Not all addicts are toxic, and not all people use these substances. Addicts become toxic when they harm others and themselves.
You don't have to put up with toxic people. To deal with them, you could confront them by calling out their lies and other inconsistencies. You could also set stricter boundaries. If those don't work, cut them off your life as much as possible, even if you feel like you can't or have spent too much energy on them. People feel like they can't cut off friends, partners, or family members, but if they are affecting you badly, you are free to do so, as there are no laws against it.
Students ask questions, or the teacher answers some frequently asked questions.
Week 3 - Toxicity; exercise
The teacher gives the teacher a script (or a conversation) to two or more people, and the students have to guess if there is a toxic person, and who it is.
Week 4 - Escapism; general information
The teacher asks the students if they know what escapism is/what they think it is.
Information:
Escapism is when you distract yourself from reality/your problems by other methods. Escapism can be done through watching shows, reading books, taking baths, drawing, and playing games… and it is normal to do these activities. It can be bad for you though if done not in moderation and using bad substances. Drinking and doing drugs are types of escapism that affect your perception of the world surrounding you. Another type of escapism is exercising a lot. Some people exercise for extended amounts of time, to get a dopamine rush. More popular and less hurtful types of escapism are consumption escapism. These are when people spend extended amounts of time-consuming different media types to escape from their reality. These can be books, tv shows, movies, webtoons, mangas, Youtube, streams, or video games.
Escapism is usually done because of mental health problems, stress, or to live a better life.
Binging media is watching 2+ episodes of one show in one sitting or reading 3+ chapters of a book or 2-3+ matches of a game. People binge because they get a dopamine rush after finishing an episode, and to get that rush or to keep that rush, they continue binging their game or show.
Different types of people use different types of escapism. Some people like longer media, like movies or tv, shows with longer episodes, while others prefer short-form media, like Tiktoks, youtube videos, or tv shows with shorter episode lengths. People who indulge in longer types of content need less dopamine and more of a release of stress or life for a long time. They acknowledge they're going to spend a long time away from reality. People who prefer shorter content feel like they're in control of their life, thinking since the media is short, they can stop using it whenever they want, even though they spend more time escaping.
Watching TV shows and playing games isn't considered an addiction, since they don't affect the same regions of the brain, as alcohol does, but they do still leave a reliance on the user.
People have been using escapism since the early ages, but it was mainly for the rich. Still, it is becoming easier to dive into escapism these days, because of the increased literacy rates and access to the internet and electronics. Some people do it to see a life they'd prefer to have, others like to see others suffering (feeling like they're not the only ones to be suffering).
The teacher asks the students about their TV show, video game playing, and Youtube watching… habits.
Students ask questions, or the teacher answers some frequently asked questions.
Week 5 - Emotions (during puberty)
Your emotions start to change as you start going through puberty. Your bodies will have both physical and emotional changes happening, and many other changes too, including body image, sleep patterns, relationships, sexual attraction, and other identities. Learning how you can deal with these changes and your emotions during these times is essential. Things that will change are:
Mood swings
Mood swings should only affect your mood, and if it lasts more than two weeks and you have bad thoughts, it might be a sign of something worse, like poor mental health.
Having arguments/conflicts (especially at home)
It's essential to communicate your feelings with your parents without it turning into an argument. Showing your feelings and emotions to them is crucial.
Week 6 - PTSD; general information
The teacher asks the students if they know what PTSD is.
If someone knows a person with PTSD, the teacher can ask them about knowing this person, how they react to everyday things, and how the person got PTSD. This is optional; if the person doesn't want to talk, they don't have to.
Information about PTSD
PTSD can happen to someone after they go through shocking, scary, or dangerous events, e.g. wars, car crashes, sexual assaults…
People with PTSD don't heal from the trauma they went through (without receiving help, or on medication)
Their whole brain feels like it's in danger. Fight-or-flight responses are typical reactions meant to protect a person from harm because the person's brain thinks they're always (or often) in the danger.
Most traumatized people experience short-term symptoms; the majority do not develop PTSD. You need to have the symptoms for at least 1 month to be diagnosed with PTSD.
Symptoms
Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
Bad dreams
Frightening thoughts
Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
Being easily startled
Feeling tense or "on edge."
Having difficulty sleeping
Having angry outbursts
Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
People with PTSD might be scared of simple, everyday things, and might have panic attacks at "random" things. They might think fireworks are gunshots (even if they know they're just fireworks, their bodies and minds automatically think they're gunshots). If someone was abused with a belt as a kid, they might avoid belts at all costs, and have panic attacks when seeing belts even if they're on shelves at the store.
War veterans, people who have been physically or sexually assaulted, abused, accident, disaster... ~7 - 8% of people will experience PTSD. Minorities (race, gender, sexuality) and women are more likely to develop PTSD. Genes can influence the likelihood. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Some people develop PTSD after a friend or family member experiences danger or harm, or the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one can also lead to PTSD.
Students ask questions, or the teacher answers some frequently asked questions.
Week 7 - PTSD; children and veterans/active duty.
PTSD in children.
People can experience PTSD from a young age.
Symptoms of kids under 6:
Wetting the bed after having learned to use the toilet
Forgetting how to or being unable to talk
Acting out the scary event during playtime
Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult
Symptoms for older kids and teens
Similar to adults
Disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive behaviors.
Feel guilty for not preventing injury or death.
Thoughts of revenge.
PTSD vs phobias
Phobias are fears of specific objects or things (clowns, the dark), and PTSD is larger. Phobias can be irrational or gained, and PTSD is gained. PTSD affects the entire brain, while phobias only focus on a specific object. You can go on with your phobia your whole life, but you need therapy to help with your PTSD.
Veterans' mental health.
Veterans who have PTSD can have flashbacks, anxiety, and combative or protective behavior. To avoid their PTSD, veterans avoid experiences that trigger symptoms, making them emotionally numb, detached, or withdrawn.
Seemingly 'normal' everyday things for us could be triggering for veterans. E.g., fireworks, loud noises, flashes.
In the US (veterans who aren't on active duty), 30% of veterans' deaths are caused by suicide, and 20% are because of alcohol or drug use. 15% have depression, and 16-18% have PTSD. In 27 US states, 18% of suicides were veterans. Veterans are 1.5x times more likely to kill themselves.
On top of these issues, veterans are subjected to bullying, made fun of, and ashamed of their mental health, increasing their likelihood of suicide or other mental health problems.
Students ask questions, or the teacher answers some frequently asked questions.
Week 8 - PTSD; PTSD experience
This week, a person suffering (or has suffered) from PTSD (preferably a veteran) comes to talk about their experience.
If no one is available, the teacher will tell the story of one person who has been through PTSD, but this will be less memorable for the students.
Week 9 - Narcissism; general information
The teacher asks the students if they know what narcissists are.
If the students give examples of selfish, or self-centered people, the teacher won't correct them right away, but tell them that who they say isn't exactly a narcissist.
General information
Narcissists are self-obsessed people who think the world revolves around them, forgetting the needs of others, and seeing others as pawns in their world. These people don't understand consequences, especially if it's towards others. Everyone can have narcissistic behaviors from time to time, but very few of the population are actually narcissists. Having high self-esteem or being selfish/self-centered does not always equal narcissism. Narcissists have a hunger for admiration and to appear more important. A popular example of narcissists are Karens.
Narcissists think the world revolves around them and they think they're at the top, with no one close to them. They enjoy crushing others and try making everything a competition, even if it doesn't have to be one, to show they're the best at it. Narcissists either don't realize they're narcissists or deny it (to not appear bad)
Having two narcissists interact is a nightmare. Each can't accept the other, both thinking they're the best, thus starting a never-ending competition to show that they're the better one. Some might see it as efficient working, but in the end, both will try to be so much 'better' than the other, that they will start lowering the quality of a product to reach there (either to do it faster or to do more in the same amount of time).
Causes and risk factors
The exact causes aren't known, but there are some theories and patterns to acknowledge.
Environment: If their parents were too overprotective or neglectful during their childhood. Another reason could be because their parents showed too much adoration or criticism.
Genetics
Neurobiology
These still have to be studied.
Narcissism is different from self-centeredness.
Empathy: Telling a self-centered person they're annoying or doing wrong, they will feel empathy and change their behaviors, while narcissists think they can't do wrong and do not listen to the criticism.
Grandiosity: self-centered people love talking about themselves but can still listen to others. Narcissists don't listen to others (or when they do, it is to find opportunities to make it about themselves).
Self-centered people say "Notice me" while narcissists say "Notice how special and wonderful I am, and you're not!".
Breaking rules: Self-centered people don't break the rules, as they have morals, while narcissists think that rules don't apply to them. If they break the rules, narcissists will find blame others for their actions to divert the criticism away from them, because they're perfect.
Lies and manipulation: Narcissists lie and manipulate others to make themselves better or more important, for hurtful reasons, while self-centered people lie to make their stories better, for superficial reasons.
Competition: self-centered people ignore competition and others' failures. Narcissists acknowledge competition and jealousy drives them forward.
Entitlement: Narcissists they're untouchable and are very entitled, while self-centered people are not.
Week 10 - Narcissism; their lives
How narcissists can have problems in their lives.
Difficulties in forming relationships (any type of relationship). They might come off as charming or approachable at first. Still, as the relationship goes on, because they want all the attention on themselves, and don't try to care about the other person/people in the relationship, they can't form a long-lasting one.
Problems at work/school: They won't listen to their boss/manager or teacher other high-ranking people or people who have power over them since they think they should have these roles or have power over these people
They could be suffering from mental health problems, such as depression and/or anxiety
They could have anorexia (the eating disorder, where you deprive your food intake)
Problems with their health (mental and physical)
Addictions (often alcohol or drugs, which makes them seem more important).
The only way to deal with a narcissist is to cut them out of your life. In romantic relationships, narcissists try to have shorter relationships and hookups and don't like being in a committed relationship. For them, relationships are transactional and they can lose interest in a relationship after they've "conquered" it.
The teacher will show videos of possible narcissists, and the students will guess if the person is selfish or narcissistic.
Week 11 - MBTI; introduction and taking the test
The teacher will explain what the MBTI test is, and what each letter means:
The first letter in your MBTI personality type (also known as your first preference) is how you get your energy
E - Extraversion → These people get their energy, or "recharge" after a long day by socializing
I - Introversion → These people get their energy, or "recharge" after a long day by being alone
*These are the same introversion and extroversion they learned last year.
The second letter in your MBTI type is how you learn
S - Sensing → These people tend to learn things in a step-by-step, linear sequence and remember specific information. They focus on facts they can feel with their eyes, touch, nose… Also, these people can stop thinking whenever they want to, their minds aren't rushing with ideas. These people can think of a black wall at night and fall asleep.
N - Intuition → These people generally learn by seeing the big picture, and thinking about how specific information is connected. These people can't stop thinking. At night, if they imagine a black wall, they'll start thinking about the wall's details, the wall, the meaning of the wall, the color of the wall…
The third letter in your MBTI type is how you make decisions
T - Thinking → These people tend to make decisions based on pros and cons, and weighing logical consequences. If someone is sick, these people will help by giving advice, like "did you go to the doctor". These people have emotions but don't make decisions based on these.
F - Feeling → These people make decisions based on how those decisions might affect others involved. These people usually are more empathic. If someone is sick, they'll take care of the person themselves.
The fourth letter in your MBTI personality type indicates how you organize your life
J - Judging → These people are list-makers and planners. They like to plan their days, or vacations, following a strict schedule.
P - Perceiving → These people work with flexibility. These people work randomly, leaving things until the last minute to finish them, feeling more efficient then.
The students will take the test for the rest of the class.
Week 12 - MBTI results
The students share their results, and they read about their personality types.
Week 13 - Feedback and summary
The teacher gives a summary of the topics they learned during the semester.
Each student gives feedback on the class, what they liked, what they'd change, and what they would've liked to learn.
If the students have questions about any topic, they can be asked now.
Week 14 - Free time
The students deserve time off for their mental health; if the teacher doesn't have anything else to add, they can have a free period.
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