Anxiety and depression are two mental disorders that are much more common than you think. Millions of people around the world suffer from them and their roots can be traced back to ancient times. Our ancestors needed to survive in harsh environments so their fight-or-flight mechanism kicked in way more often than today.
While we don’t have to survive in the same harsh environments today, anxiety and depression are major mental problems in today’s society. They stem from the stress that surrounds us all the time which greatly impacts our lives. It may not be visible to the naked eye, but stress is the silent killer responsible for a variety of life-threatening diseases and conditions.
According to the latest scientific studies, both anxiety and depression may be closely linked to narcissistic abuse.
What is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a type of psychological abuse that serves as a weapon of narcissists to hurt emotionally fragile individuals. Narcissists use a manipulative approach to further weaken these individuals and instill trust that eventually leads to low self-esteem and loss of confidence. Narcissists are very dangerous people that can break the psyche of others which can result in anxiety and depression.
Scientists have found out in studies that depressive and anxious people have been abused by narcissists without knowing it. These people are under a lot of pressure and struggle to get things done. Anxiety and depression can ruin anyone’s life. Many people suffering from one or both conditions have lost their jobs and even families, so it’s important to recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse on time before you fall into a deeper and darker pit.
Emotional Abuse and Its Role in Mental Health
Emotional abuse plays a greater role in mental health than the eye sees. People that have been abused by narcissists often have low self-esteem and are unable to deal with many emotional situations. Their deep emotional scars have made their stress response system very unstable, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.
If you’re often nervous and agitated for no reason, you should seek help. Anxiety isn’t harmless. It often leads to depression, and many people take their lives being unable to deal with the problem. People that have been exposed to emotional and narcissistic abuse in their childhood often suffer from anxiety and depression, and if left untreated, it can result in serious health problems.
Healing from Narcissistic Abuse
If you’ve been a target of a narcissist or you know someone that’s been dealing with that kind of problem, you should either seek help yourself or encourage them to talk to professionals. If you suspect that someone from your close surroundings is a narcissist trying his devious schemes on you, you should learn how to protect yourself. Distance yourself from these people – even if it’s your home, you should leave it to lead a healthier life.
Self-help books can help in these situations. Read them to learn how to protect yourself from narcissistic abuse and see where to get help if you think anxiety and depression have already settled in.
