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Loneliness and Isolation After Narcissistic Abuse
A Common Challenge for Those Trying to Reintegrate
Every survivor of narcissistic abuse experiences feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnection throughout the different stages of the healing process. This is perfectly normal and to be expected.
Narcissistic abuse victims are also likely to put up walls in their new relationships to keep themselves safe. They may completely distance themselves from any kind of intimacy which makes it difficult to connect emotionally and move on.
Recovery after a relationship with a person with NPD is a long and painful process. The withdrawal is similar to symptoms from stopping substance abuse. After the break-up, people will experience an obsessive longing for their abusive partner (that they are addicted to), debilitating emotional pain, and self-destructive behavior. Recovery can last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical (somatic) reactions. This is very similar to what victims of narcissistic abuse must endure and even has its own name: Post Narcissist Stress Disorder (PNSD).
Another reason the victim may self-isolate and hide from the world is because they feel shame, confusion, impaired reality testing, emotional…
