Abuse is one of the most stressful situations to escape from. Think of how you feel when you are in a relationship; love fills everything, it is almost impossible to find fault with your significant other, and you would do anything for the one that you love.
This set of occurrences is the same when someone is in an abusive relationship. However, they are getting nothing out of it except for pain and suffering.
The most common individuals that these Narcissistic abusers targets are those who are highly sensitive and quite by nature; those who won’t fight back. Those who are also lesser social beings are also targeted because they rely more strongly on their “stronger” half.
When this kind of abuse occurs, there won’t be the same sort of evidence as physical violence. Such abuse as this is purely emotional. The biggest signs of someone who is being affected by narcissistic abuse are decreased health and self-esteem.
Self-identity problems are enormous in this situation because the victim is constantly being told it is their fault for feeling bad about how they are being treated; this is NOT true, and no one should be ashamed for feeling attacked emotionally.
Due to this kind of abuse being incredibly straining, there is a high chance that a form of Stockholm Syndrome may occur. This is when a victim creates a trauma bond with their abuser. You may be wondering; why would anyone form a bond with someone who hurts them?
Well, the truth of the matter is that acting in such a way provides the victim with a small sense of protection. It is a survival strategy that psychologically takes place with the philosophy that if the victim believes the same thing (or takes the side) of the abuser, the victim will no longer be seen as a threat that needs to be punished.
Such an event is seen in extreme cases of physical and mental abuse.
One of the best ways to tell if you are caught in such a relationship is to pay attention to whether or not you are listening to what your senses are telling you. If you have been ignoring what your eyes have seen or your ears have heard, and are relying only on the information told to you by your abuser, then there is a problem.
If you believe the lies they are telling, then it is likely going to develop further into something that will not be easily cured. Get help as soon as you can! You are not alone in this endeavor, and even if you may feel trapped, it is imperative to reach out to a third party for assistance and remove yourself from the situation.
This is because such stressful assault can lead to severe neurological damage and the fear-induced adrenaline can cause organ malfunction.
Image Courtesy: The New Yorker
This is nothing to be taken lightly. Even though you may feel love towards this person, you may be in a life-threatening situation. Do not feel at all obligated to stay with someone who rages at you for a small mistake, physically abuses you, degrades you, or threatens you in any way.
These type of people feed off of fear and subservience, so get away as fast as possible to avoid tragic results.
There will always be a help, no matter how lost and alone you may feel. Healthcare workers are slowly beginning to realize the signs of such abuse and are learning how to help those affected. If you feel like you are in a situation where you are being abused by, not only a narcissistic predator but anyone who emotionally or physically hurts you then get help immediately; and know that no relationship is ever worth your life.
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