Abuse & Recovery
What is Abuse?
There are many forms of abuse, each with their own descriptions, actions, and levels of trauma inflicted.
Mental/Psychological Abuse: This is often referred to as emotional abuse or mental maltreatment. This is a form of abuse that involves the use of non-physical actions to manipulate, control, or harm a person's emotional and mental well-being.
Physical Abuse: Any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person, or animal, by way of bodily contact. In most cases, children are the victims of physical abuse, but adults can also be victims, as in cases of domestic violence or workplace aggression.
The First Steps to Recovery
Trauma occurs through many life events.
Childhood trauma tends to carry into adulthood, shaping our triggers or “reactions” to outside stimuli. This often holds us back in healing to be a well rounded adult in life.
Physical Trauma is incurred from physical abuse, harmful contact, as well as emotional trauma which is held in different areas of the body, causing pain, fatigue, and organ disease.
One of the most effective ways to heal and work through trauma is by retaining a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist.
Counseling sessions will help track the root of the trauma and there are many different styles and formats used to assist in repairing the nervous system, correcting our triggers or “trauma responses”.
What is a Narcissist?
Unfortunately, this term has been thrown around so much that it’s been watered down.
Narcissism is a personality trait that's closely tied to having an inflated sense of self, extreme self-focus, and a strong desire for praise and recognition. Narcissism as a mental health condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Sadly, most narcissists are abusive toward their partners or family members.
Narcissists can be some of the most charming people you’ll ever meet. However, after a few months of getting comfortable with someone, you’ll see their true colors. They are bold, dark, and ugly.
They don’t truly experience human emotions like love, compassion, and care. They act like they do - and they act quite well - but it’s all a rouse for personal gain.
There are multiple types of narcissism.
Grandiose: Also known as overt narcissism, this type is characterized by being domineering and immodest.
Covert: Also known as vulnerable or closet narcissism, this type is characterized by being self-focused but also feeling inadequate. Covert narcissists may use passive-aggressive behaviors to express their displeasure.
Malignant: Also known as the dark triad or dark tetrad.
Communal: A type of narcissism.
Entitled: Also known as self-righteous.
Neglectful: A type of narcissism.
Cerebral: Also known as intellectual narcissism, this type is characterized by deriving self-worth from their minds.
Somatic: This type is characterized by deriving self-worth from their bodies.
My ex-partner was a Malignant Somatic Narcissist. It took a while for me to wrap my head around this epiphany, but there are many wonderful resources out there to educate ourselves about this disorder. I’ve found the ones below to be the most helpful in my journey of healing from narcissistic abuse. It’s my goal to bring awareness and prevent future abuse through the power of knowledge.