What are the effects of narcissistic abuse on future relationships? Besides physical and mental damage, narcissistic abuse can also lead to negative psychological effects, including PTSD, addiction, and low self-esteem.
To prevent these side effects, you can practice self-care, such as eating a balanced diet and engaging in pleasant activities. Over time, these effects can cause a person to develop negative coping mechanisms, including self-destructive habits and people-pleasing behaviors.
The Effects of Narcissistic Abuse on Future Relationships
PTSD
After a relationship with a narcissist ends, the victim may experience the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can affect victims physically and emotionally. This condition often lasts for months or even years. It is the result of intense emotional and physical reactions.
Also read: “Are You Emotionally Depleted from Living with a Narcissist?”
Many people who are abused by a narcissist may have PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, or a combination of these. Narcissistic abuse victims may also experience feelings of disconnection from reality and low self-esteem.
Because the narcissist wants the victim to believe that she/he is nothing without them, the victim must learn to see themselves as a unique person. This is not easy, especially if the narcissist used manipulation tactics and other harmful behaviors. It may take years to heal from the psychological effects of narcissistic abuse.
Addiction
Narcissistic abuse can cause a victim to develop a low self-esteem, and can lead to a variety of mental health issues. Because of the traumatic nature of the experience, the victim may not be able to process his or her feelings effectively, causing them to react negatively to any upsetting situation.
Although the effects of narcissistic abuse can affect a victim’s ability to form healthy relationships in the future, some people are able to recover and move on with their lives.
Narcissistic abusers often do not respect boundaries and will attempt to undermine them. They may ignore them or challenge them, and sometimes even give them the silent treatment. Eventually, the victim may give in to their demands and stop setting boundaries.
For example, the abuser may keep calling the victim even after the victim has distanced themselves from them. Narcissists also use a variety of methods to make the victim feel guilty about setting boundaries, which is harmful for his or her self-esteem.
Low Self-esteem
One of the effects of low self-esteem after narcissist abuse is the lack of confidence in oneself. Whether you’re a single person or in a relationship, you need to feel confident in your abilities to make good choices. If you lack confidence, you will not be able to move forward.
In order to recover your self-esteem, you must spend time with yourself. This means getting adequate rest, eating healthy and enjoying activities you enjoy. Otherwise, your low self-esteem may cause you to develop negative coping mechanisms and destructive habits.
The first step toward recovery is to accept the fact that you were abused. Initially, this is a difficult step to take because it may cause you to blame yourself and compare yourself to others. However, if you are willing to accept the truth, it will help you heal.
Once you have accepted the fact that you have been abused, you can begin to rebuild your self-esteem. Try practicing positive affirmations. You can also engage in exercise, such as yoga or breathing exercises, to release pent-up emotions.
Shame
Narcissistic abuse affects a person’s confidence and self-esteem. The abuser makes the victim feel as if they are less than worthy of love. This can be harmful to future relationships. It can also cause physical symptoms such as muscle tension and random aches and pains.
Narcissistic abusers manipulate their victims by creating an environment that makes them feel insecure. This instability makes the victim more likely to seek happiness from their narcissist. It can also lead to wasted opportunities and deep regret. Narcissistic abusers often use this behavior to make their victims look for love and validation from others.
Because narcissists need to feel in control in relationships, they often use shame to lower the victim’s self-esteem. They also use shame to maintain their victims’ low self-esteem. This low self-esteem helps them control the victim. They feel better about themselves when their victims are less confident and therefore more vulnerable to abuse.
Guilt
Narcissists are often adept at manipulating their victims to maintain a position of power and keep them in a constant state of fear and anxiety. This can lead to guilt and shame, and may even lead to self-doubt. Narcissists also use hovering techniques, which involve saying and doing what they believe their victims want to hear or see.
One way to combat guilt after narcissistic abuse is to establish boundaries grounded in your own personal values. This way, you’ll be less likely to fall into the traps of your abuser again. You can also write positive statements or affirmations to remind yourself of your own values.