How to Recover from Narcissistic Abuse and Regain Your Self-Worth
Beginning the Recovery Process
If you're reading this, then chances are you’ve experienced a relationship that has caused you deep pain. If that relationship is with a loved one, who may have narcissistic traits, this can be particularly difficult to navigate.
In a toxic relationship with a parent or partner, the emotional challenges can be very tough to handle. The hurt and broken trust make it feel like you're stuck in a confusing and difficult situation. Dealing with manipulation is like navigating a complicated maze, and the bonds that are supposed to bring comfort end up feeling like heavy chains.
The pain is personal and a constant reminder of the wounds from seeking love and connection. But even in all this difficulty, there's a chance to heal and discover more about yourself.
It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that the person who was supposed to love and protect you was the one who hurt you the most.
In the beginning, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming the feelings of worthlessness and insecurity that have been ingrained by the narcissist. The narcissist has a way of making you feel like you are never good enough. This is an intentional strategy on behalf of the narcissist; if they can break you down, they can then control you. If they can control you, they can keep you engaged in the relationship.
Another challenge is dealing with the anger, hurt, and shame that come with being in the relationship. It can be hard to admit to yourself, let alone others, what happened. In fact, demanding secrecy is one of the most effective tools of a narcissist.
It's important to understand that you're not alone. Many people have been through similar experiences. There is help available and you can heal from this.
Tips for Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse
Here are some tips for dealing with the pain and healing process:
Acknowledge your feelings. It's okay to feel angry, sad, and scared. These are all normal reactions to what you've been through. Don't try to bottle up your emotions or pretend they don't exist.
Seek out support. Talk to a therapist or reach out to friends or family members who will understand and support you. It can be helpful to talk about your experiences with people who have been through similar things. Make sure that you pick people who will understand what happened to you, and will support, and not shame you.
Educate yourself. Read books or articles about narcissistic parents and childhood trauma. This can help you understand what you went through and why it affected you the way it did.
Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself is essential for healing. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise, and do things that make you happy.
Professional Help to Recover from Narcissistic Abuse
Therapy provides a vital space for recovery from narcissistic abuse, whether stemming from a parent, partner, or in the context of co-parenting with an ex-spouse. Through a supportive therapeutic relationship, you can explore the impact of abuse, gain insights into manipulation tactics, and develop coping strategies. Therapy can help survivors like you rebuild self-esteem, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate the complexities of co-parenting, fostering a path to healing, empowerment, and reclaiming control over your life.
Second, recovery takes time. If you've been in a narcissistic relationship for any length of time, it's going to take some time to heal the wounds and learn to trust again.
Finally, don't be afraid to reach out for help. If you're ready to start recovery from narcissistic abuse, remember these three things: recovery is possible, it takes time, and you don't have to go through it alone.
I’m here to help you every step of the way. Contact me now.
Seanna Crosbie, LCSW-S
