WEIRD BEHAVIOURS Of People Harmed By Narcissists

Narcissists emotionally and psychologically abuse their victims. They thrive on their victims' emotional reactions—it feeds them and makes them feel alive. This is why they often engage in tactics such as denial, blame-shifting, projection, gaslighting, and creating double binds. They devalue and degrade their victims, sometimes resorting to the silent treatment, as it brings them joy to see their victims trapped in misery and suffering.

Narcissists frequently engage in sabotage, smear campaigns, triangulation, manipulation, and control. As covert malignant narcissists, they are harmful and dangerous, intending to cause emotional and psychological deterioration in their victims. Their actions are deliberate, driven by animosity, bitterness, and hatred. While they may not always show these feelings openly, their covert nature often stems from a fear of exposure or legal consequences. However, this fear does not diminish the intensity of their hatred.

Although narcissists may avoid overtly violent acts due to fear of consequences, they often resort to emotional and psychological abuse. This type of abuse is no less damaging. Narcissists exploit their victims to fulfil their own demands, often at the expense of their victims' rights. They maintain a "Code of Silence," an unwritten agreement among enablers, family members, or co-workers to cover up unethical or abusive behaviour. This makes it difficult to find physical evidence of the abuse.

To help you recognise the signs of narcissistic abuse, here are 10 weird behaviours commonly exhibited by victims:

1. Feeling Disconnected from Reality

Victims of narcissistic abuse are often gaslighted to the point where they doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity. This can lead to feelings of detachment, where their thoughts, emotions, and sensations seem to exist independently of reality. Narcissists exploit this by labeling their victims as "crazy" or "weird," further deepening their depression and anxiety.

Victims may develop addictions or obsessions to numb their pain and escape their reality. These coping mechanisms, however, are often used against them by the narcissist, causing further trauma. This cycle can lead to psychotic episodes, isolation, and emotional exhaustion, leaving victims feeling alone and misunderstood.

2. Neglecting Their Own Needs

Victims often abandon their own goals, dreams, and aspirations to meet the narcissist's endless demands. Their existence revolves around keeping the narcissist happy, but no matter what they do, it is never enough. This emotional starvation leaves victims feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Over time, victims may develop a heightened sensitivity to their environment, as their minds desperately try to fill the void created by the narcissist. This can lead to a loss of self-identity, where victims feel as though they are no longer their own person.

3. Hypervigilance

Victims often live in a constant state of fear and anticipation, always expecting something unpleasant to happen. This heightened state of alertness, known as hypervigilance, is a survival mechanism developed in response to repeated trauma.

Narcissists exploit this by keeping their victims in a state of fear, ensuring they remain focused on potential threats. This constant stress obliterates the victim's sense of safety and trust, leaving them paranoid and overly focused on spotting red flags.

4. Distrust of Others

After experiencing betrayal and manipulation, victims often develop a deep sense of distrust. They may fear love, intimacy, and connection, associating these with pain and trauma. This can lead to anxiety and a reluctance to trust others, including themselves, as their self-esteem has been eroded by the narcissist's constant criticism.

5. Fear of Success and People-Pleasing

Narcissists often punish their victims for their achievements out of jealousy. Over time, victims begin to associate their success, talents, and hobbies with abuse and mistreatment. This fear of negative reactions can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and a reluctance to pursue their passions.

As a result, victims may develop a tendency to excessively please others, fearing confrontation or rejection. They may neglect their own well-being in an attempt to gain love and belonging, which is often absent in their abusive relationships.

6. Constantly Comparing Themselves to Others

Victims of narcissistic abuse often compare themselves to others, blaming themselves for their own mistreatment. Narcissists frequently triangulate their victims with other people, making them feel inadequate and unworthy. This leads to a cycle of self-blame and a desperate need for the narcissist's validation and approval.

7. Idealizing New Relationships

In an attempt to escape their pain, victims may rush into new relationships, often idealizing their new partners. They may see these partners as perfect, overlooking red flags and potential problems. This unrealistic view stems from a desperate need for happiness and validation.

8. Difficulty Expressing Emotions

Victims often struggle to open up and be vulnerable. They may feel disconnected from their emotions or appear emotionless and expressionless. This is a coping mechanism developed to shield themselves from the narcissist's harmful behaviour. Over time, they may even doubt their own emotions and natural instincts.

9. Suffering from Impostor Syndrome

Victims may doubt their own achievements and feel like frauds, even when they are skilled and accomplished. This is often a result of the narcissist's gaslighting and manipulation, which causes them to question their abilities and self-worth.

10. Engaging in Self-Destructive Behaviours

Narcissists condition their victims to self-destruct. Victims may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as a way to deal with the shame and pain inflicted by the narcissist. In extreme cases, victims may experience suicidal thoughts or attempts, as they feel trapped in a hopeless situation.

Narcissists often deflect their own shame onto their victims, creating a sense of worthlessness and despair. This can lead to a deeply embedded sense of helplessness, making it difficult for victims to see a way out.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these behaviours, it is crucial to seek support. Healing from narcissistic abuse is possible, but it requires time, effort, and guidance. You are welcome to book a session with me here - https://www.narcsurvivor.co.uk/book-online

Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for recovery.