Saturday, October 26, 2024

I’m a psychiatrist – here are nine signs that you may be a narcissist

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A consultant psychiatrist has revealed the nine signs that someone may have a narcissistic personality. 

Dr Jaleel Mohammed, from London, often makes clips on Instagram to inform people of the different symptoms of conditions, such as social anxiety, borderline personality disorder and depression

He said that most narcissists will display at least five signs, which include envy, self-importance and exploitation.

The first sign is if they have a lot of self-importance and think they are superior to other people – even if there is no evidence to support their belief. 

Dr Mohammed said narcissists will often be ‘constantly fantasising about how beautiful or brilliant they are’.

Dr Jaleel Mohammed, from London , often makes clips on Instagram to inform people of the different symptoms of conditions

Those with narcissistic traits will also believe that they are special and unique and can only be understood by people who are on the same level as them. They may also believe that they should only associate with ‘high status’ individuals.

He said: ‘This reflects their deep need to reinforce their own perceived superiority.’

Dr Mohammed added: ‘[Another sign] is demanding people constantly admire them or give them excessive compliments.

‘They constantly seek validation and are often preoccupied with how they are perceived by others. 

‘This need for attention is coupled with a strong sense of entitlement, where they expect favourable treatment and compliance with their expectations without question.’

The fifth indication is when the person thinks they’re entitled to things – even if they don’t deserve them.

Narcissists may also ‘constantly’ exploit people, according to Dr Mohammed, along with lacking empathy and care for others. 

The psychiatrist added: ‘Their interpersonal relationships are often troubled due to their tendency to exploit others. 

He said that most narcissists will display at least five signs, which include envy, self-importance and exploitation

He said that most narcissists will display at least five signs, which include envy, self-importance and exploitation

The clip racked up thousands of views and likes, with many asking the psychiatrist on how to deal with one in the comments

The clip racked up thousands of views and likes, with many asking the psychiatrist on how to deal with one in the comments

‘They use people to achieve their own ends, showing little concern for the needs or feelings of others. 

‘This lack of empathy is a hallmark of narcissists, where understanding or caring about others’ emotions is minimal or non-existent.’

The medical professional said that they will often be ‘highly envious of other people’ and believe that people are envious of them. 

‘Narcissists often harbour envy. They believe others are envious of them or they themselves feel envious of others’ successes or possessions,’ Dr Mohammed added.

The final pointer that someone may be a narcissist is if they are arrogant or haughty and tend to ‘look down’ on other people.  

Dr Mohammed said: ‘Remember, these are all personality traits, so there are things that the person does consistently over a long period of time, not just one-off behaviours or the person does here and there.’

The clip racked up thousands of views and likes, with many asking the psychiatrist on how to deal with one in the comments.

One wrote: ‘Sir please can you tell me how to deal with this person.’

Another penned: ‘I’ve been living with one for nine years’.

A third said: ‘My ex has all nine of them! Total energy vampire.’

A fourth commented: ‘My husband is exactly like that.’  

What is the narcissistic abuse cycle and how does it work?

According to psychologists, the narcissistic abuse cycle broadly takes the form of three-to-four stages. These are:

1. Idealise

Once a narcissist has latched on to a new form of supply, they will pursue them vigorously, showering them with affection to ensure they can secure their source of supply. 

They will ‘love-bomb’ and throw praise upon the new object of their affections to hook them in. 

They may use the word ‘love’ early on in the relationship and suggest their victim is their ‘soul mate’.

2. Devalue

Once the narcissist is sure their new form of supply is hooked and unlikely to go anywhere, their attitude towards that person changes and the words of affection stop. 

The narcissist will become cold and uncaring, and in many cases, will tell their victim things that make them feel inadequate. 

They may pick at the person’s appearance or personality, which gradually chips away at their confidence and leaves them feeling incredibly confused.

 3. Discard

This is when the narcissist decides they want to find a new form of supply and breaks up with their vicitim.

Many victims of narcissistic abuse may feel that the relationship has been ended very suddenly and in a cold, hurtful way.

Often, they will put the blame on the victim, telling them they are ‘crazy’ and making them feel small. 

They will enact a smear campaign to leave their victim feeling as low and broken as possible, which can leave them with severe mental health implications.

4. Hoover 

This stage of the narcissistic abuse cycle does not always occur, but can happen in many cases.

It happens when the narcissist makes attempts to bring their victim back into their life after a period of distance.

In order to suck their victim back in, they will tug on their heartstrings and turn the charm back on.

They may find a random excuse to get in touch so they can be back in contact with the victim.

If the victim decides to give the narcissist another chance, the likelihood is the cycle begins all over again. 

 Sources: Psychology Today, Narcissistic Abuse Support

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