People who were raised by a narcissistic parent often get depressed because of CPTSD. Small things can bring up old hurts from childhood, which can lead to negative thoughts and feeling alone. Therapy, knowing yourself, and being kind to yourself can help people break out of this cycle and get better.
Many people who grew up with a narcissistic parent have experienced the terrible depression that can come from complicated post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). A lot of damage has been done by mental abuse, neglect, and manipulation. And if you don't deal with them, they can keep you stuck in a circle of hopelessness.
What is PTSD?
Chronic stressful exposure leads to CPTSD. One example is being hurt mentally by a narcissistic parent over and over again. Child abuse, emotional neglect, and verbal smacks are all sneaky behaviours that hurt a child's mind for a long time. People with CPTSD often have problems with worry, depression, controlling their emotions, and feeling like they are always in danger.
The Narcissistic Set Off
Even things that don't seem important can make people who have been abused by narcissists feel overwhelmed and depressed. When someone grows up with a narcissistic parent, hearing their hurtful words or seeing their cold apathy shape their deepest beliefs about themselves as unlovable or not good enough. These deeply negative ideas about yourself are like a psychological tripwire that is easily set off by feelings of abuse, rejection, or failure in the present.
The Cycle of Depression
The cycle starts with a trigger, which is something that breaks down self-esteem and brings up old fears from childhood. A range of feelings appear, from sadness to strong self-hatred. Negative thoughts like "I'm worthless" keep the feelings going. "I'll never be good enough." Depressive behaviours like isolating oneself from others and numbing one's emotions follow, which makes sadness even worse. In the end, the defences that were learned to deal with narcissistic abuse become the ways that the abuse happens again inside the person.
Getting Away
Even though it's hard, this cycle can be stopped with the help of therapy and personal growth work. Survivors can take back their self-worth and silence the selfish voice inside them by becoming more self-aware, challenging their own negative beliefs, and practising self-compassion. Support groups give people a safe place to talk about their feelings and experiences, which can help fix the problems caused by abusive parents. A new story with underlying value can grow slowly.
People who are dealing with the huge problems that come with CPTSD and sadness should know that they don't have to stay stuck. The cycle can be broken with bravery and the right help. The pain of the past can give way to the chance of starting over.
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