3 Ways To Tell If Someone Is Suffering From PNSD (Post Narcissistic Stress Disorder)

Aug 24, 2018

What is PNSD (Post Narcissistic Disorder)? Post Narcissistic Disorder is similar to Post Traumatic Disorder in that it's brought once someone has lived intimately with a narcissist. When someone lives with a narcissist, it can be extremely taxing for this individual. It isn't uncommon for these individuals to be extremely abusive and manipulative. Under most circumstances, they'll make everything about what they're experiencing and gaslight their victims.

Once a victim is no longer being influenced by a narcissist, they often feel periods of anger, anxiety, depression, and helplessness similar to when an individual experiences a traumatic event. Those with PNSD have symptoms mirroring those who have PTSD. However, there are three signs for those who are suffering from Post Narccisst Stress Disorder.

Those who are suffering from PNSD, like PTSD, can experience flashbacks of their time with the narcissist. If they experience what is referred to as a "trigger," it could involve a myriad of things. If a trigger occurs, the survivor could immediately flashback to something they experienced with the narcissist. The Royal College of Psychiatrists Public Education Committee states that you find yourself re-living the event, again and again. This can happen both as a ‘flashback’ in the day and as nightmares when you are asleep.

These can be so realistic that it feels as though you are living through the experience all over again.” When the survivor experiences a trigger, it can include a place, a smell, some behaviors, words spoken, or even sounds. It isn't uncommon for those suffering from PNSD to have challenges when dealing with the emotions of other individuals because the narcissist would immediately fly into a rage.

If someone suffering from PNSD perceives another individual as being upset or angry with them, it could cause them to flashback. Survivors could also flashback to when the narcissist was manipulating them. When this occurs, it could cause the survivor to feel extreme paranoia when wondering if others around them are going to or are currently manipulating them. They may feel like they're playing a game that's impossible to win even though no one around them is acting against them.

When someone suffers from PNSD, they could begin avoiding many things they previously enjoyed. They could begin avoiding activities, emotions, people, places, and things.

Under most circumstances, narcissists like to have control over their victims. They'll use anger and manipulation to keep them under control. Even when the survivor is free, they could still exhibit avoidance as a form of PNSD.

Many times, the sufferer will avoid anything that is a reminder of whatever angered the narcissist or things that they weren't allowed to do when they were influenced by the narcissist. It's also common for them to avoid their emotions.

Those who are victims are often gaslighted into having the belief that their emotions have damaged the narcissist. In turn, those suffering from PNSD will distance themselves emotionally because, to survive the narcissist, they had to learn how to stop feeling.

You'll find that one of the most major symptoms of those suffering from PNSD and PTSD is their challenges with returning to their normal lives. When an individual is making attempts at returning to day-to-day life following a life with a narcissist, they could experience depression, panic attacks, or paranoia. It's extremely overwhelming to live with a narcissist and, when someone had to do this, they have to shift their expectations to new ones on a daily basis.

Sufferers have to adapt to a new lifestyle and call it their "new normal." Following that, after the survivor is no longer being influenced by the narcissist, it isn't uncommon for them to make adjustments to their lives again. They may question their observations or memories, and have panic attacks. However, there's light at the end of the tunnel.

The Mayo Clinic reports that “most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better.”

When you know the signs and symptoms of PNSD, it can be beneficial to those suffering. This is especially true for those who are making attempts at figuring out how to help someone who is surviving narcissistic behavior.

If you know someone who is experience flashbacks, practicing avoidance, and finding it difficult to return to everyday life, they may be suffering from PNSD. When you know the signs and symptoms, it’s easier for you to help them survive being influenced by a narcissist. Spread the word so sufferers can get the help they truly deserve.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!