Episode 63: Help! I think I'm a Narcissist, and I Don't Want to be One

We tend to mirror what we learn, and for many people who grow up in a dysfunctional (or troubled home) they've developed some healthy ways of "surviving" (or navigating) that environment--the slang term for this is "fleas." And while a person might have some "fleas" they can work towards getting rid of them (changing their behavior) if they are truly motivated to do so.

So if you are seeing some problematic behavior in yourself that makes you think you might be a narcissist you do have the power to work on it. And while this might be kinda scary, it is actually a great thing if you can actually see a problem with your behavior, because for most people (myself included) it can be really difficult to see our own problematic behavior because we are so close to it--we often have to experience enough pain in order for us to "wake up" and realize what we are doing isn't working. Growing up in unhealthy environments can make it hard but not impossible. Find some role models that have the kind of behavior you'd like to have and use their behavior initially as a guide to give you some ideas on alternative ways of behaving.

Do you have a narcissist, sociopath, or psychopath in your life, or think that you might? Are you in (or recently out of) of a relationship that you can only describe as crazy making, toxic, or like a lifetime TV movie? Then you are in the right place.

The live streams are a time where we "meet" every Wednesday at 8:30pm EST to ask questions, and give answers and support. I give my two cents, as do many of the other people in the chat. If you can't make it to the live stream, you can email me your question at: [email protected] I get a lot of questions, but I do my best to bring up and answer as many of them as I can each week. :)

To get support: www.ThriveAfterAbuse.com/forum

* This is an "open" group, meaning that anyone can see what you are posting, however, you can choose your own screen name and have total privacy that way.

Support Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HealingAfterNarcissisticAbuse/

*This is a "closed" group, meaning that your Facebook friends can see that you are in the group, but they CAN'T see what you are posting (although it looks like they can, as you can see the chat on your timeline--but they really can't so don't panic.)

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveAfterAbuse

Instagram: ThriveAfterAbuse

Disclaimer: I am not a therapist, doctor, attorney, or expert in Narcissism...or anything at all really. If anything, I am a student of life, love, behavior and behavior change, and a woman who is dedicated to thriving.

Professionally, I worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence at a domestic violence shelter, and currently I am a psychiatric nurse. Personally, I have been through two relationships with narcissists, and have been able to not only survive those, but have been able to move forward and thrive.

My goal with these videos is to share all of my lessons learned, as well as to start many important conversations about abuse, and recovery with the hopes that together we can provide the clarity, closure, and healing that we all deserve.

Remember: You are not crazy. You are not alone. And yes, you really can heal from this.