If you are a Narcissist what can you do to recover?

Answer 1

The fact you even asked that question doesn't make me believe you are a narcissist. Narcissists NEVER admit to this! I have no doubt someone has flipped this label on you in conversation. I suspect you might want to work on your ego a little more and deal with "ghosts in the closet" with a psychologist. We all have ghosts from the past in our closets and sometimes we can deal with it and get on with life, but if it's fairly traumatic then it's best to see a psychologist/psychiatrist and clear it away. Sort of like taking your car in for a tune-up. This is one of the quickest ways to get to know yourself: YOU HAVE TO BE HONEST! Write down compliments that people have given you; also your accomplishments in life and then what you want to accomplish. Write down the next answer to the questions below and BE HONEST!: Do things have to go your way all the time? Do you trust others to do a job for you without interfering? Do you think your way is the right way at all times? Are you willing to "agree to disagree." Do you always get into arguements over topics that are brought up with family, friends or in personal relationships? How many people have you hurt in the last year? Can you sustain meaningfull relationships? If not, why? Do you do things for good friends or family without gloating over it or expecting payment of any kind for these actions? Are you open and honest when it's important? Do you ever use people for your own gain? Do you use and abuse the feelings of girlfriends (or boyfriends) to suit your own ego? If so what are you afraid of? These are only a few questions, but once you have honestly written down the answers to these questions, put it away for a week or two and then bring it back out and read it. You'll see right away where you need to brush up on your personality. None of us are perfect and every day of our lives we are hopefully striving to be better people. I'm proud of you for even asking the question. There's hope for you yet! Have a great weekend Marcy I agree with all of the points that Marcy brings up, and I would like to add that at the core, it is important for the narcissist to learn how to love himself/herself. The narcissist has very low self-esteem, and the first step in healing is for the narcissist to realize this, and then learn how to fill their hole with self-acceptance and self-love. This is not easy, and depending on the damage done to the narcissist, it may be a life-long struggle. But there are support systems available for healing, and while it's not easy, it's not impossible. I highly recommend therapy, should the person have insurance or funds to cover it. Also, Nathaniel Brandon has written some great books on self-esteem. There is meditation and yoga, which are nurturing practices. And above all, sever ties with the person, most-likely the parent, who was witholding or psychologically abusive; for Narcissism breeds narcissism. I also agree with Marcy that if you come to the point where you ask this question, there is hope, and you have taken the most important first step. Namaste Kate