What is Childhood Narcissistic Abuse?

Childhood abuse is one of the most devastating health issues affecting us in the world today, although it is not acknowledged or recognized on a global level.
Early traumas occurring at crucial stages of development have the power to shape our belief systems, identities, and life paths.

The brains of children who suffered abuse have shown their neuro pathways have rewired, and their physical growth can be stunted, according to research.

There have been many studies from Romanian orphanages that show there are a variety of socioemotional and behavioral problems as they grow into adults associated with children who have suffered neglect or abandoned as they grow into adults.

Physical abandonment leaves scars; however, emotional and sexual abuse can leave wounds that are invisible and can last a lifetime.

There is a study called The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, which confirms that emotional neglect, emotional abuse, witnessing domestic violence, or having a parent with a mental illness are all associated with a wide range of chronic health problems and psychological problems throughout a person’s lifespan. Due to the trauma from childhood, the survivor can be at high risk for suicidal ideation.

The effects of verbal abuse can also shape the brain and increase the risk of anxiety, dissociative symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Studies have confirmed that parental verbal aggression has an impact on critical areas of the brain related to memory, learning, emotional regulation, and decision making.

According to trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, and childhood trauma changes the brain because of the fear. Childhood trauma can heighten our hypervigilance, impulse control, increase our likelihood of substance abuse, and destroy our self-esteem.

ALL abuse is horrific, including emotional abuse, psychological and sexual abuse.

Narcissistic abuse is a form of psychological abuse inflicted by a parent who meets the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder or has many narcissistic traits. These traits prevent narcissistic parents from seeing their children as anything other than extensions of themselves. Parents who have narcissistic traits lack core empathy, which would enable them to be compassionate and caring caretakers and meet the needs of their children.

Some adult children of narcissistic parents had a parent who had antisocial tendencies, which include pathological deception, a complete lack of remorse, and in some cases, criminal activity. This narcissist is defined as a malignant narcissist as they have traits of both Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder. These narcissistic parents rarely see the error of their ways and are not motivated to change their behavior, which makes them exceedingly toxic.

You will not benefit from explaining to them why their behavior is toxic, and you will not be able to appeal to their empathy as they have none.

None of what you went through as a child is your fault. The fault entirely lies with your narcissistic parent.

You can heal, and I can help you.

Much love to you
Debbi