Verbal Abuse Associated Narcissistic Abuse
by: Todd Doyle, International Author of Healing the Shattered: Surviving Narcissistic Abuse
Verbal abuse is a common form of abuse that can occur in any type of relationship, including those involving a narcissistic individual. Narcissistic individuals are often characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a sense of entitlement, which can lead them to engage in abusive behaviors in order to maintain control and dominate their partners.
Verbal abuse can take many forms, including name-calling, belittling, shaming, and threatening language. It is often used as a way for the narcissist to exert control over their partner and to undermine their self-esteem. For example, a narcissistic individual may call their partner names or belittle their accomplishments in order to make them feel inferior and dependent on the abuser.
In addition to being emotionally hurtful, verbal abuse can also have serious consequences for the victim’s mental health. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems. Over time, the effects of verbal abuse can be deeply damaging, leading to long-term emotional and psychological problems.
Verbal abuse from a narcissist also comes in the form of gaslighting. It will be difficult to understand why your partner is verbally abusing you if you’re romantically involved with a narcissist. They use something called “word salad” to gaslight and manipulate their partners into conforming to their version of events. Verbal abuse can be terrible for survivors of narcissistic abuse. Verbal abuse is one way the narcissist is able to start crafting the beginning phases of the trauma bond. Verbal abuse is also associated with the devaluing stage of the relationship.
Understanding how narcissists use verbal abuse to target their victims is important for the world of psychiatry to understand. Full-blown cases of NPD are very hard to pinpoint. But, when someone presents with full-blown narcissism clinical professionals should start to take notice.
They are not only using verbal abuse to victimize their partners, friends, or significant others. They also have a slew of other tools at their disposal to continue to psychologically victimize their targets.
Understanding how verbal abuse plays a huge role in harming others, trained clinical professionals should help retrain the brains of a narcissist’s victims. It will take some time to heal from the verbal abuse. Narcissists are professionals at psychologically damaging their victims’ by way of “word salad.”
It is important for those in abusive relationships to recognize the signs of verbal abuse and to seek help and support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals. If you or someone you know is experiencing verbal abuse, there are resources available to help you escape the cycle of abuse and regain control of your life. It is never too late to seek help and to make the decision to leave an abusive relationship.
