If you think that you might have a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to consider all of the signs, as well as your options. Families can implode due to the destructive traits of narcissism, making it important to understand narcissism and how to protect oneself.
Roughly 1% of the population is diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, but the actual number of individuals with NPD might be much higher. In fact, some experts estimate that between 15% and 20% of the population has undiagnosed NPD. This means that nearly one individual in every household may have NPD.
NPD is a mental health disorder in which individuals have an unreasonably elevated sense of their own importance. NPD can lead to gaslighting, blame-shifting, playing the victim, manipulation, and more. In families, narcissism can cause poor communication, unclear boundaries, and secret keeping.
The first step in separating yourself from a narcissist is making a plan. All planning should occur when the narcissist is away, as this will keep your intentions secret. As you plan, consider how you will move your money to a separate account. You may also want to begin moving your belongings to a new location. It is important to carry out this process slowly and to move things to a location that the narcissist is unaware of.
It is important to remember that your family and friends can be a resource. Letting them know your plans for separation can provide extra support and safety. Narcissism can damage individuals and families alike, so finding a way to extricate yourself from a narcissist is important. By carefully planning, you can separate yourself from the narcissist and move on, leaving behind the toxic environment.
