You Are Not Broken
You are not broken; you were just made to believe that you are less.
For the purpose of this blog, we focus on narcissism in a romantic relationship and the symptoms of prolonged gaslighting.
If you find yourself, or have been in a romantic relationship with a narcissist, there is a good chance that you were gaslighted at some point.
You might even have been under constant gaslighting to the point where you question your reality – is what I see, feel, hear, etc., really what I see, feel, and hear?
Gaslighting is a slow and steady process of manipulation and brainwashing.
It is dangerous and for your sanity, it might be time to step away.
Below are some long-term effects due to prolonged narcissistic abuse and personal growth that happens (Vinita Mehta, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, journalist, and media expert)
• Diminished sense of self. The narcissist depends on you losing your connection with yourself and therefore you diminish your value and worth.
• Guardedness and mistrust of future relationships. Too scared to trust YOURSELF in choosing future relationships.
• Recovery and Post-Traumatic growth. Survivors found that as soon as they left the relationship as sense of self soon returned and confidence started to grow.
• Time with others. Find supportive and loving people to share with. It helps to move you forward and build confidence.
• Re-embodying activities. During the relationship you might have let go of many activities you liked. Pick them up, feed your soul, and learn to value your interests.
• Strong sense of self. The survivors who worked through their pain, fear, and doubt, more often than not, came out emotionally stronger, more aware of self, and a vitality for life.
Your gaslighting relationship does not mean the end. Once you step out, away, and/or above it, the new world and life awaits you and is ready to unfold.
You can do this. It is only a season, it is not the whole story.
(Take some time and read up about the Japanese art of kintsugi)
