Anxiety Disorders And Major Depression Are Linked to Narcissistic Abuse

As emphasized on Healthy Holistic Living, anxiety is a mental disorder which is considered to be very common these days even though anxiety is nothing new and its roots can be traced back to the beginnings of human history when surviving in harsh environments was pivotal part of people’s lives. Namely, the fight or flight mechanism was crucial when our ancestors needed to run away from predators and survive in dangerous surroundings.

Nowadays, though it has nothing to do with running away from wolves and bears, anxiety and the fight or flight mechanism are more a reaction to everyday events and it is often a result of everyday stress. 

Severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as noted on Healthy Holistic Living, may stem from stressful events in life, particularly from ones that happened in our childhood, and have a great impact on our quality of life.

The Role of Emotional & Mental Abuse in Mental Health Problems

Unfortunately, in a lot of situations, emotional and mental abuse can have a more harmful impact on one’s health and well-being than physical abuse by creating deep emotional scarring which further leads to additional sensitivity of the stress response system. Hence, the risk of anxiety and depression is much higher in adults who have been exposed to these types of abuse during childhood and when left untreated, this can lead to chronic stress and adrenal fatigue that can be damaging to the overall health and well-being.

Narcissistic Abuse: What Is It & How Problematic It Is?

This type of abuse, as explained on Curious Mind Magazine, is a type of psychological abuse which can lead to anxiety and depression and narcissistic individuals usually target compassionate and sensitive people who trust and understand them and they use their manipulative approaches to instil trust and dependence in the victim and this eventually leads to low self-esteem and self-confidence.

When questioned about their ongoing abuse, they have a tendency to blame the other side that they are imagining things and that they are mentally unstable. Through their manipulation and lying, they may often convince the abused person that they are the issue and consequently, you will start to question your morality and sanity when in fact you are just being tricked.

How to Heal from Abuse

Narcissistic abuse victims are often under a lot of pressure and struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress as well as adrenal fatigue and poor physical health. If you are or have been a victim of narcissistic abuse, check out the following tips on how to heal yourself and get out of the situation as soon as possible:

  • If you know a person who is a victim to abuse, encourage them to get the needed professional help- if you are a person who is abused, get help!
  • Learn how to protect yourself and leave from the place where the abuse is happening
  • Rely on friends and other family members for help, as well as on professionals such as counsellors and therapists
  • Read self-help books to educate yourself on the signs of narcissistic abuse and how to restore your self-confidence, heal the damage, lower anxiety and depression, and learn how to create healthy relationships with people who are good for you

Sources:

HEALTHY HOLISTIC LIVING

CURIOUS MIND MAGAZINE