Emotional numbness is a survival mechanism for some after enduring narcissistic abuse. It’s like hitting the mute button on your feelings. When you disconnect emotionally, everything around you, including the mess or clutter, can feel unimportant.
Dr. Judith Herman highlights in Trauma and Recovery that survivors of trauma often experience emotional disconnection. Narcissistic abuse victims feel numb and paralyzed, making even basic tasks like cleaning seem overwhelming or out of reach.
Life coach Lisa Romano explains: “When you’re in survival mode, the last thing you’re worried about is cleaning the kitchen,” perfectly capturing how surviving feels like a full-time job. Recognizing emotional numbness is the first step toward breaking the cycle and gently reconnecting with your environment and emotions.
5. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Narcissistic abuse often disrupts your sleep patterns, causing stress and anxiety that keep you up at night. In his book Why We Sleep, Dr. Matthew Walker explains that poor sleep affects cognitive function and decision-making, making it harder to stay organized during the day.
Without enough rest, your brain struggles to keep up with tasks like cleaning or tidying up, leading to clutter. Life coach Tony Robbins emphasizes: “Sleep is not a luxury; it’s necessary for mental clarity and emotional resilience.” When you’re constantly exhausted, you’re too drained to focus on responsibilities. The mess around you reflects the mental and physical toll of disrupted sleep.
6. Disrupted Routines
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