Narcissist and narcissism are buzzwords that have taken off since 2016. Bringing the discussion of mental health to light, the conversation around narcissism has been controversial because those who are living with narcissistic personality disorder are often controversial themselves. The characteristics of someone with narcissism are difficult to develop compassion for. Often, people with narcissistic personality disorder are selfish, self-centered, manipulative, condescending, and deliberately mean. They go out of their way to control people in order to inflate their ego, have a sense of being better than others, and position themselves in a place of power. Listed, these character traits seem deplorable. Narcissists, as they might be called, are not inherently bad people, though they certainly do and act in many “bad” ways. At the root of narcissistic personality disorder is a deeply complex and wildly dysfunctional insecurity. People who develop this personality disorder are completely void of a secure sense of self and their place in the world. To compensate, they develop an inflated ego and sense of self to demand a spot and a meaning in this life. Commonly, narcissistic personality disorder is associated with some kind of traumatic experience early in life. This traumatic experience causes the individual to feel less than, unimportant, and as if they don’t matter. Sometimes, however, this personality disorder can develop seemingly all on its own without a root to trace.
Could you be a narcissist? Many people who are living with narcissistic personality disorder are not fully aware of the fact that they have it. Most often, it is someone else in a narcissist’s life that points out the existence of narcissistic traits. Self-obsessed, the narcissist is too busy thinking of themselves and what they want others to think of them to care about what others actually think of them. Typically, it is a partner or a friend exhausted by the narcissistic behaviors who speaks out. Comments are common signs of narcissism. If you have been approached by friends, family members, or romantic partners with these concerns/criticisms, you might have traits of narcissism that you should explore with a mental health professional. You can change some of these habits of behavior if you’re willing and desiring of making the commitment to change:
You’re somewhat aware of the fact that you’re self-centered and/or have an inflated ego and it doesn’t bother you. It also doesn’t bother you that it has a negative effect on others.You lack empathy for othersYou aren’t emotionally availableYou seem to miss the mark on what other people needYou consistently need admiration and validationYou feel entitled to being treated better than everyone elseYou focus on the praise and positive comments you receive rather than the negativeYou view yourself highly and feel threatened when someone or something threatens that perspective
If you have experienced trauma in your life and are struggling to feel at peace with where you are, you are not alone. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a chance to change it. The Guest House Ocala offers private residential treatment for traumas, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today for information: 1-855-483-7800