How is Narcissistic Abuse Affecting Your Mental Health …REALLY?

Here are four disturbing ways the mind copes with ongoing narcissistic abuse.

Photo by BenMoses M on Unsplash

Narcissistic abuse can have devastating effects on a person’s mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. In response to the abuse, the mind employs various defense mechanisms that help to protect the individual from further harm and maintain a sense of psychological well-being.

Research studies have shown that individuals who have experienced narcissistic abuse are more likely to use ego defence mechanisms, such as denial, repression, and projection, to cope with the trauma (Wells & Schauman, 2018).

Understanding how the mind responds to narcissistic abuse can help survivors develop effective coping strategies and promote healing and recovery.

Here are four ways the mind copes with narcissistic abuse:

1. Ego Defence Mechanisms

When a person is targeted by a narcissist, they may experience a range of emotional and psychological abuse that can impact their sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-identity. As the narcissist manipulates and controls their target — the target will develop ego defence mechanisms. Ego defence mechanisms are unconscious psychological processes that protect the…