Part 4- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Conclusion)

Concluding Remarks

Narcissistic personality disorder dominates the daily thought processes and actions of a person, ultimately impacting their relationships. Narcissists project their childhood trauma into those closest to them, relaying lifelong anxieties and stress. For their partner and families, reality can be a constant battle. The daily struggles often result in long term effects, including psychiatric disorders. Marriages and families can be destroyed, although their image may seem charming from an outside perspective. The transference of low self esteem creates a toxic household that seems impairable, which is difficult to forgive. The partner’s life changed as soon as they met the narcissistic individual, and children have never known life other than walking on eggshells. For all family members, being robbed of relaxation and happiness is difficult to comprehend. The source of unspoken, daily anxieties is a heavy subject, and one that should be accompanied by a professional. It may seem unlikely, but rehabilitation is possible and all family members can improve their mental well-being.

Marriage partners and families must be willing to admit their internal problems and work together to develop an improved family dynamic. Therapists will utilize their training and resources to most effectively help the narcissistic individual, and those they have impacted. In terms of couples therapy, individuals should not necessarily expect a happy ending. If they continue with the therapy long-term, then they can expect to discover the deeper levels of daily anxieties and transfers from each partner. Divorce is sometimes the answer, which is still a form of rehabilitation. Families can also attend therapy or other rehabilitation services, which will locate the long-term psychiatric effects. In every therapy scenario, the therapist tries to reveal where the conflicts stem from and how the couple/family can work together to improve relationships.

It may seem impossible to forgive the source of one’s psychiatric issues, but it must be remembered that narcissists are victims of their own upbringing. Unfortunately, mental disorders are a vicious cycle that are affected by both nature and nurture. Attending therapy and believing in the possibility of rehabilitation can break this cycle and create the framework for future families. Those living with narcissistic personality disorder deserve to have a second chance, and families have the ability to heal from the trauma this individual has caused. Consider the disappointing prison industry of the United States. The internal structures within prison systems do not effectively promote rehabilitation, which is why over 50% of those who enter the system are bound to re-enter. This is a startling statistic, and many people have difficulty sympathizing with those who break the law and destroy lives. However, they tend to forget why those individuals may have been in a specific situation and dismiss their own privilege. Likewise, narcissists have fallen to the injurious realities of their childhood. Without effective rehabilitation, they will re-enter their own prison system of internal battles and the destruction of loved ones.

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