When dealing with narcissistic abuse, you might find yourself mentally checking out or feeling detached from reality as a way to cope with the emotional pain. This is known as dissociation, and it’s your mind’s way of escaping when things get too overwhelming. The problem is that constantly distancing yourself from what’s happening can lead to cognitive impairment, making it hard to concentrate, remember things, or even think clearly. As trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains, dissociation is a survival mechanism that makes the unbearable bearable. While it might seem like a relief at first, this detachment can leave you feeling foggy and exhausted, contributing to chronic fatigue and burnout because your brain is always working overtime to block out the stress.
Chronic Stress Response
When you’re stuck in a cycle of narcissistic abuse, your body stays in a constant state of stress, always on high alert. This is known as the fight-or-flight response, where your body’s stress hormones are always active, readying you for a threat that never seems to go away. Over time, this continuous state of alertness can wear you out, leaving you physically and mentally drained. As Dr. Bruce McEwen, a leading expert on stress, notes, chronic stress keeps the body in a constant state of readiness, which depletes energy and wears down resilience. It means that every day feels like a battle, and that relentless stress can lead to severe fatigue and burnout because your body and mind are perpetually running on empty.
Understanding these reasons why narcissistic abuse triggers chronic fatigue and burnout is the first step toward healing. You deserve to feel energized and vibrant, free from the shadows of narcissistic abuse. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take steps to rebuild your energy. Take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and know that recovery is possible.
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