New Study Shows Anxiety Disorders And Depression Are Linked To Narcissistic Abuse

Aug 13, 2018

Anxiety and depression are two very common mental disorders that can have a very major negative impact on someone’s life. While some people are more prone to anxiety and depression than others, circumstances in life can also increase the chances that someone experiences either or both mental conditions.

One situation that could increase the chances that someone suffers from anxiety and depression is narcissistic abuse.

What Is Narcissistic Abuse?

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A narcissist is broadly defined as someone that ends up shaming someone constantly in an attempt to project their own personal shame onto someone else. From afar, many narcissists look like someone that would be very confident and would not have to talk down to others. However, many narcissists are actually very insecure and mean-spirited towards others.

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While most people will run across narcissists many times in their life, those that are in relationships with them could feel the extend of the abuse of narcissists. There are a variety of different types of abuse that narcissists commonly cause including manipulation, verbal abuse, gas lighting, and exploitation.

All of these types of abuse can have a major impact on the psyche of the victim. According to a study by Erika Lawrence, Ph.D., emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.

How Narcissistic Abuse Can Affect Someone

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Most people will have to deal with narcissists at various times in their life. When dealing with them on a short-term basis, it can be easy to shrug off their negativity and abuse. However, people that end up in relationships with a narcissist could end up having a much harder time.

A narcissistic abuser will end up trying to damage someone over and over again. This will end up being a very repetitive behavior that will continue to chip away at someone’s defenses. Ultimately, this can lead to a total destruction of the psyche.

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For those that have been affected by a narcissist, the impact can be devastating over time. Those that are impacted by a narcissist can have trouble sleeping, are more likely to consume drugs and alcohol, and will ultimately have a harder time functioning. In more extreme situations, this can lead to anxiety and depression that is hard to break free from.

What To Do If You Are A Victim

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If you are a victim of narcissistic abuse, it is very important that you get help as soon as possible. One of the first things that you could do would be to speak with someone. Ideally, you should speak with a psychologist and trusted friends and family, each of which could provide you with a great support system.

Most importantly, you need to free yourself from the situation. Depending on the situation, this could take some planning and could require support. However, the longer you wait to do this, the harder it will become and the more likely it will be that you will have a hard time recovering from the abuse. You should also focus on developing a plan that will allow you to once again feel good about being you.

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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!