Anxiety is a common struggle for those like myself who have endured emotional abuse. This type of abuse involves manipulative and controlling behaviors from a person with narcissistic traits, which can deeply impact the victim’s mental and emotional well-being. There are many long-term side effects that you may not even realize. In this blog post, we will explore some reasons why survivors of narcissistic abuse may struggle with anxiety and examine ways to break free from its grip.

Living In Constant Fear

Living in constant fear is a reality for many survivors like myself of narcissistic abuse. The unpredictability of the narcissist’s behaviors can create a sense of walking on eggshells, never knowing what might trigger their next outburst. This chronic state of fear can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety.

Manipulation & Confusion

Narcissists are masters at emotional manipulation, and gaslighting. This is where someone makes another person doubt their own thoughts, feelings, or reality. It involves the perpetrator denying or distorting facts, making the victim question their memory, perception, or sanity. This tactic is often used to gain control over the victim and create a sense of confusion and self-doubt leading to increased anxiety. So frustrating we had to live through this type of insanity.

Isolation

Isolation is another tactic commonly used by narcissists to maintain control over their victims. By cutting off support systems, or turning friends and family against them, it leaves their victims feeling helpless and alone, intensifying feelings of anxiety. Again, after realizing I had experienced this, it breaks my heart to understand that’s why I felt so insecure and had bad anxiety.

Trauma Bond

In many cases, victims of narcissistic abuse develop a strong emotional bond with their abuser known as trauma bonding. In the tangled mind we think they are looking out for us, but in reality, they are not. Breaking free from this bond can be a daunting and emotionally challenging task, often accompanied by fear and uncertainty about the future.

Unpredictable Behavior

Narcissists are known for their unpredictable reactions to situations, making it difficult for survivors to anticipate and navigate their responses. This constant state of alertness and hyper vigilance can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety. Unbelievable how someone can put us in this state of mind. It’s true, it happened to me.

Low Self-Esteem

The severe erosion of self-esteem is a common outcome of narcissistic abuse. Survivors may struggle with feelings of worthlessness and intense self-criticism, further fueling anxiety. In some cases, the cumulative impact of ongoing abuse can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I have spent thousands of dollars in therapy trying to heal. Fear of retaliation or consequences is a common barrier that keeps survivors trapped in the cycle of abuse. This fear can be paralyzing and increase anxiety about attempting to break free.

Difficulty Trusting

The betrayal and deceit inherent in narcissistic abuse can lead to a profound loss of trust in oneself and others. Rebuilding trust is crucial for healing, but it can also be a source of anxiety.

Support

It’s essential for survivors of narcissistic abuse to seek support from a mental health professional and engage in healing practices to address the impact of their experiences. This may include therapy, the self-healing therapy program I learned along with self-care activities, and connecting with my private Facebook community.

The Relaxing Technique

One helpful technique for managing anxiety in the moment is grounding. This involves using your senses to bring yourself back to the present and focus on what you can control. An easy way to do this is by practicing the “left foot, right foot” technique.

To start, take a deep breath and place your feet firmly on the ground. Then, begin tapping your left foot and saying “left foot” out loud. As you do this, pay attention to the sensation of your foot tapping against the floor. Then, switch to tapping your right foot and saying “right foot” out loud. Continue switching between your left and right foot, focusing on the physical sensations and repeating the words.

One Last Thing…

Breaking free from the cycle of narcissistic abuse is not easy, but it is possible. By understanding the root causes of anxiety and addressing them through support and healing, survivors can take steps towards reclaiming their mental health and well-being. Get my guide, Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter future beyond the grip of narcissistic abuse. So if you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety from narcissistic abuse, know that help is available and recovery is possible. Together, we can break the cycle and heal from the trauma of narcissistic abuse. Remember that you are worthy of love and respect, and no one deserves to be treated with anything less than kindness and compassion. Let’s break the silence on this form of abuse and support those who have been affected by it. There is strength in numbers, and we are stonger together.

💜Renee