Dealing with the stress of narcissistic abuse doesn’t just affect your mind; your body feels it too. This stress can show up as somatic symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or a tight chest, making it hard to relax and fall asleep. It’s almost like your body is holding on to all the tension and anxiety from the abuse, even when you’re trying to wind down. Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician and expert on mind-body connections, explains that the body keeps the score of emotional trauma, meaning that your physical symptoms reflect the stress and pain you’re going through. So even when you want to rest, your body may feel like it’s still bracing for impact, keeping you awake and on edge.
3. Difficulty Setting Boundaries
Imagine trying to get a good night’s sleep while someone constantly knocks on your door, demanding your attention. That’s what it feels like when you struggle to set boundaries with a narcissist. Because you’re stuck in a loop of people-pleasing and avoiding conflict, your mind can’t switch off, and neither can your stress levels. As psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula explains, narcissists have no respect for boundaries, so when you finally try to go to bed, you’re tossing and turning, replaying every awkward encounter and worrying about the next one. It’s like trying to sleep with a fire alarm blaring — peace is nowhere in sight.
4. Cognitive Distortions
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