Personality disorders impact the way people think, feel, relate to others, and behave. It can negatively impact their ability to excel in their personal and professional lives. They also struggle in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Not one person’s experience is the same. There are numerous factors that can contribute to the development of a personality disorder. It is often said by professionals that a healthy sense of self is a good thing. Some people who think highly of themselves are tougher and at a lower risk of developing depression. But if we talk about narcissism, it is a little different. Personality traits can involve a different way of thinking, behaving, and perceiving things, differently from the usual. Children and adults are usually narcissistic but that is considered normal. These traits may also be visible when someone progresses or becomes famous. These characteristics might seem annoying, but they usually don’t interfere with one’s life. A disorder on the other hand differs in intensity.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a disorder that includes an increased sense of self, a lack of empathy for others including friends, family members, and peers, a deep need for constant attention, and feelings of grandiosity (superiority). People with NPD can get distressed if they don’t get enough attention or favors that they think they deserve. They could dislike their relationships with others, and other persons may not wish to be around them. They could dislike their relationships with others, and other persons may not wish to be around them. It can be seen more in males than females. People with the disorder may find it difficult to be in situations where they are not viewed as superior, they may react angrily by demeaning or undermining others to appear superior, they may become moody or depressed if they are unable to complete tasks perfectly, and they may also experience hidden feelings of shame, guilt, or being exposed.
Dispelling Myths About Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Relationship counsellors can play a crucial role in helping individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) form and maintain healthy relationships. Despite common myths, people with NPD can and do form close relationships. However, the disorder can negatively impact their ability to excel in their personal and professional lives and form healthy relationships. Narcissistic personality traits are normal in children and adults, and may also be visible when someone progresses or becomes famous. These characteristics might seem annoying, but they usually don’t interfere with one’s life. A disorder, on the other hand, differs in intensity.
It is important to dispel myths about NPD and learn the truth about this mental health condition. Narcissists have an empathy deficit disorder and are not capable of empathy as we know it. Narcissistic personality disorder is defined by an enduring pattern of behavior, including an inflated feeling of self-importance, entitlement, selfishness, a feeling of superiority, lack of empathy, and arrogance. Marriage counselling can help individuals with NPD learn to empathize with others and form healthy relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder can range in severity.
Those who have the condition may:
Some myths and facts about NPD:
Fact: The building of ego and self-worth is a component of healthy growth. Healthy narcissism is a totally natural feeling of self-worth that emerges over the course of a person's lifetime and enables them to value themselves and take pleasure in successes. However, because narcissism is typically associated with negative connotations, individuals seldom ever hear about good narcissism. This is sad because having a positive self-image and being able to identify and value one's favorable features are crucial for both personal growth and wellness.
Fac: The truth is that narcissists frequently are unaware of the harm they are doing. They're attempting to satisfy their own psychological and practical requirements. Most of the harm they inflict is merely accidental and not their intention. Their aim is to acquire narcissistic materials or to protect themselves against what they see as attacks on their importance and sense of self.
Fact: While some narcissists are not dominating, others can be. Like with any group of people, it's challenging to generalize about everyone with NPD. Although dominating and manipulative behavior can be a symptom of NPD, some people may be more empathetic than others.
Fact: There is some evidence to suggest that using social media may make one more prone to narcissistic characteristics. But because the causes of NPD are so varied, it would be unjust to single out one, like social media. Even though social media promotes exposure to narcissistic traits, personality, and NPD are far more complex than this.
