Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological manipulation that can leave lasting damage on your mental health. Often subtle and difficult to recognize, this type of abuse frequently occurs in romantic relationships, but can also come from parents, friends, or coworkers.
If you’re constantly feeling confused, emotionally drained, or doubting your worth, you may be in a toxic dynamic rooted in narcissistic behavior.
Here are 5 signs you’re experiencing narcissistic abuse, along with advice on how to start your healing journey.
1. You Constantly Doubt Yourself (Gaslighting)
One of the most common red flags of narcissistic abuse is gaslighting—a manipulation tactic used to make you question your reality, memory, or sanity. Over time, you may find yourself saying:
- “Maybe I’m overreacting.”
- “It must be my fault.”
- “I can’t trust my own judgment.”
This creates a cycle of dependency, making it easier for the abuser to maintain control and harder for you to leave.
2. Everything Is Always About Them
Narcissistic individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance. No matter what you’re going through, they often redirect attention back to themselves. They may:
- Dismiss your feelings
- Interrupt or dominate conversations
- Turn your concerns into personal attacks
Their lack of empathy prevents them from acknowledging your needs, which leaves you feeling unseen, unheard, and unimportant.
3. You Feel Emotionally Drained After Every Interaction
Spending time with a narcissistic person can be exhausting. You may feel:
- Emotionally depleted
- Anxious or on edge
- Like you’re walking on eggshells
This emotional fatigue is often a sign of chronic stress from repeated manipulation, criticism, or unpredictability.
4. Your Boundaries Are Disrespected or Ignored
Healthy relationships rely on clear boundaries. Narcissists regularly test or violate those boundaries, making you feel guilty or “too sensitive” for standing up for yourself. You may notice:
- Your privacy is invaded
- Your time is not respected
- Your opinions are dismissed or mocked
Over time, this erodes your self-esteem and makes it harder to assert your needs.
5. You Feel Like You’ve Lost Yourself
Perhaps the most painful sign of narcissistic abuse is the feeling that you no longer recognize who you are. You might feel:
- Disconnected from your values and goals
- Unsure of your decisions
- Isolated from loved ones
This is a result of emotional manipulation and control that can take years to untangle without help.
Start Your Recovery with Professional Support
Recognizing narcissistic abuse is the first step toward reclaiming your emotional well-being. The next step is getting help.
At Susan Haverty, MFT, you’ll find trauma-informed therapy designed to help survivors of narcissistic abuse rebuild their confidence, restore healthy boundaries, and regain control over their lives. Using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Susan provides the tools needed for long-term healing.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation at susanhaverty.com to take the first step toward emotional freedom.
Need Help Identifying the Signs of Narcissistic Abuse?
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re just beginning to question a relationship or have already left a toxic situation, therapy can help you break the cycle and move forward with clarity and strength.
