Tag: #narcissist

A narcissist refers to an individual who exhibits narcissistic traits or has been diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While many people may display some narcissistic traits, individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder exhibit these traits to an extent that significantly interferes with their relationships and functioning.

When control become dangerously blurred

Lonely and Isolated Themselves: The manipulator may be extremely isolated and fearful of being abandoned, leading them to latch onto the person in rehab as their primary (or only) source of emotional connection. They might have an untreated mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, that fuels their need to keep the other person close at all costs.

Struggling with Their Own Trauma: Often, people who manipulate others have unresolved trauma or emotional wounds of their own. Instead of addressing their pain, they may seek control over someone else as a way of avoiding their own feelings of helplessness.

Subconsciously Afraid of Being Left Behind: The manipulator might see the other person’s recovery as a threat. If the person in rehab gets better, they may move on with their life and leave the manipulator behind, worsening their feelings of loneliness and abandonment. To prevent this, they may subtly sabotage the recovery process.

Addicted Themselves: In some cases, the manipulator may also be struggling with addiction. They may encourage continued drug use because they’re not ready to give up their own substance use, and they feel safer in a dynamic where both people are using.… Read More When control become dangerously blurred

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How to Identify Covert Control Disguised as Help

Guilt as a Tool: A hallmark of manipulative behavior disguised as help is the use of guilt to maintain control. For example, a person might say, “I’m only doing this because I care about you,” while making the recovering individual feel guilty for needing help or for mistakes they’ve made in the past. True support empowers someone to grow and make independent choices, while covert control keeps them feeling indebted or ashamed.

Conditional Support: Someone who truly cares offers unconditional support. In contrast, a person who is manipulating will offer help conditionally, often expecting obedience or compliance in return. If the recovering person doesn’t do what is expected, the “help” might be withdrawn or turned into a point of contention.

Undermining Confidence: A manipulative person often subtly undermines the recovering individual’s confidence under the guise of “helping” them avoid further mistakes. They might repeatedly bring up past failures or weaknesses, saying things like, “You can’t trust yourself to handle this,” or “You know you’ve always messed up before.” This creates dependency on the manipulator for decision-making or emotional support, all while eroding self-trust.

Isolation as “Protection”: Manipulative individuals might try to isolate the person in rehab from others who could offer real support by framing it as a way of “protecting” them. They might suggest that other people “don’t really understand you” or “will only hurt you,” encouraging dependence on them alone. This isolation further enhances their control.… Read More How to Identify Covert Control Disguised as Help

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Rewiring Your Brain

Rewiring your brain, often referred to as neuroplasticity, is a fascinating and hopeful concept that emphasizes the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, learning, and even healing from injury. This concept is particularly relevant in trauma therapy, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence. Here’s an in-depth exploration of how you can actively engage in rewiring your brain:… Read More Rewiring Your Brain

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Navigating Emotional Turmoil

When a former partner visits the area to stay with relatives, it can stir up intense emotions and dynamics within current relationships. These situations often evoke feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and territoriality, leading to conflicts and emotional turmoil. This article delves into the underlying reasons for these reactions, their impact on relationships, and strategies for maintaining composure and respect amidst challenging circumstances.… Read More Navigating Emotional Turmoil

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Unveiling the Hollow Facade: The Truth Behind the “Pre-Madonna” Attitude

The term “pre-Madonna” itself suggests a sense of self-importance and grandiosity reminiscent of the legendary singer Madonna, but in reality, it reflects nothing more than an inflated ego and a desperate attempt to compensate for a lack of substance. These individuals exude confidence, often bordering on arrogance, but upon closer inspection, their bravado crumbles like a house of cards.… Read More Unveiling the Hollow Facade: The Truth Behind the “Pre-Madonna” Attitude

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