{"id":1818,"date":"2025-10-29T13:08:29","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T13:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/?p=1818"},"modified":"2026-04-08T06:23:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T06:23:28","slug":"narcissistic-victim-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Narcissistic Victim Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2851\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Re-EDIT-91.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2240\" height=\"1260\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissistic Victim Syndrome or (NVS) is not just a quick fix diagnosis of your mental status. This is a condition caused by prolonged abuse. Your mental health has been damaged by the words they said and the thoughts they planted in your mind.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take Narcissistic Victim Syndrome to the most basic level. Do you remember learning the alphabet? It was repeated over and over until you learned it. Well the abuse was the same. The constant gaslighting that causes you to not believe others, is just one example.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is often overlooked as being depressed or having anxiety because yes you do but you have other symptoms that they forgot to investigate because well depression and anxiety are common and easily treated.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to be fully aware of all aspects of Narcissistic Victim Syndrome. From the symptoms to the treatments. Not only to help you help yourself but also to be able to better explain yourself to your health care providers. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1820 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1d5a68bb-9297-4df9-aaba-460bb7d62caf.jpg\" alt=\"a puzzle of a brain\" width=\"1013\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1d5a68bb-9297-4df9-aaba-460bb7d62caf.jpg 1013w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1d5a68bb-9297-4df9-aaba-460bb7d62caf-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1d5a68bb-9297-4df9-aaba-460bb7d62caf-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1d5a68bb-9297-4df9-aaba-460bb7d62caf-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1013px) 100vw, 1013px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/#What_Is_Narcissistic_Victim_Syndrome\" >What Is Narcissistic Victim Syndrome?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/#7_Key_Symptoms_of_Narcissistic_Victim_Syndrome\" >7 Key Symptoms of Narcissistic Victim Syndrome\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/#Psychological_Effects_and_Long-Term_Impact\" >Psychological Effects and Long-Term Impact<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/#Causes_and_Contributing_Dynamics\" >Causes and Contributing Dynamics\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/#How_to_Recover_from_Narcissistic_Victim_Syndrome\" >How to Recover from Narcissistic Victim Syndrome\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Narcissistic_Victim_Syndrome\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Narcissistic Victim Syndrome?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissistic Victim Syndrome develops over time. It reflects the mental deterioration that occurs when you are subjected to long term abuse. Yes narcissistic abuse can lead to a deterioration in your psychological wellbeing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Narcissistic Victim Syndrome is not a medical code that can be used for treatment. Mental health professionals are starting to use this diagnosis more frequently to guide in the path of healing and recovery.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After leaving an abusive situation you will experience PTSD, which is the shock of what you went through as well as the flashbacks and memories. With Narcissistic Victim Syndrome you are addressing the parts of you that were eaten away mentally while you were being abused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To me it\u2019s like PTSD is there to remind you of what you lived through. And Narcissistic Victim Syndrome is the fixing of what was eaten away of your mental and emotional being.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-10\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a narcissist whether it be a parent, partner, or co-worker, each time they tell you you are not enough, it sticks a little bit. The more you hear it the more it will eat away at your mind and soul. Narcissistic Victim Syndrome therapy plans help to rebuild what was eaten away.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1821 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4b0d22b2-36a4-40cb-be49-c699ac29bb10.jpg\" alt=\"a woman in a white dress surrounded by hands\" width=\"993\" height=\"662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4b0d22b2-36a4-40cb-be49-c699ac29bb10.jpg 993w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4b0d22b2-36a4-40cb-be49-c699ac29bb10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4b0d22b2-36a4-40cb-be49-c699ac29bb10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4b0d22b2-36a4-40cb-be49-c699ac29bb10-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-11\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Key_Symptoms_of_Narcissistic_Victim_Syndrome\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 Key Symptoms of Narcissistic Victim Syndrome\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-12\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After leaving an abusive situation, watch for these symptoms to determine if you may need to talk to a professional about Narcissistic Victim Syndrome.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.Constant self-doubt and confusion &#8211; After the narcissist has made all your decisions, it is a hurdle to overcome, but if you are feeling confused and not trusting yourself to make decisions this is from the abuse and it\u2019s ok, you just need to heal and try to make decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-15\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When I first left my abuser. I flew to Florida but I needed a car. I went with full intentions of buying a responsible SUV just like he would have wanted. But something happened when I got to the dealership.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-16\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was a lifted F150, a pick up truck. I was never allowed to have one while I was married. So I scrapped buying the SUV and bought the truck. I love my truck more and more everyday because it\u2019s what I wanted, not what I was allowed to drive.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2.Emotional numbness or detachment &#8211; Honey you just went through an emotional enduro run. Your emotions are all over the place, not sure of what is right and what is wrong, what is true love and what is more abuse. Take time to let your emotions heal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-19\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During my first attempts at dating it was hard to have the emotions of a normal relationship. I kept expecting the abuse so I would never fully commit to someone. I was scared of the pain again. And the first sign of hurt on the horizon I cut and ran with no explanation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.Guilt for standing up for yourself &#8211; You were taught by the narcissist of where your place was. It was to answer and defend them. But now you get to give that same fight to yourself. It feels weird in the beginning, but you need to stand up for yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-22\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since I\u2019ve started sharing my story publicly, I have been threatened repeatedly to take down what I post, because it\u2019s embarrassing. Is it though? Not for me. For me I hope to help others get out of the situation I was in. What my narc thinks doesn\u2019t matter to me anymore.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4.Hypervigilance and anxiety &#8211; Oh yes. I call this the zoomies. Yes, just like a puppy who doesn\u2019t know what to do with the energy and zooms all over. You are scared and that is normal. What you\u2019re doing is hard and scary. But you are doing it. Take a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-25\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You got this. I thought they were full blown panic attacks for a while. But as I adjusted to this new idea I could think for myself they started to go away. I no longer had to justify my decisions to my abuser. It is truly freeing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.Low self-esteem and identity loss &#8211; You have been degraded for your entire relationship. Unfortunately it does sink into your brain, the horrible things that you were told about yourself. As you get away and stop hearing it. The truth does come out. You are enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-28\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I had no idea who I was when I left. I had to find myself, and what I was good at and what made me happy. You are getting a chance to define yourself and when you do it organically the self esteem comes back and you start to find yourself. Only the happy version.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6.Isolation from friends and support networks &#8211; This is a hard part of the leave. Friends and family are being gaslit by the narc. They are being manipulated, and unfortunately right now you need to save you. If they were true friends they would be there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-31\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I have no shame in saying I lost 30 years of friends and family that I thought would always be there for me. It was hard, I did have to do this on my own. But what I realized is that these people are just as sick as I was. I just can\u2019t save them while I\u2019m trying to save myself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-33\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And truth be told some of them do not want help, the narc during our divorce went above and beyond to love bomb everyone in our lives to his view. It showed the true character of the people I was involved with and how sick their minds are after the narc\u2019s influence.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7.Replaying conversations and seeking validation &#8211; This is a common hobby for abuse victims. We try to figure out what we could have done to make things better. The answer is nothing, the narcissist is sick and needs help. And we need help to recover.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-35\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After I left my situation, I replayed conversations. I even watched 11 videos of abuse daily trying to heal and validate. It took me 30 days of watching abuse videos before one day it snapped. This is not my fault this guy is a major Ass and no one should be treated like that<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-35\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1822 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/d3288777-6185-4b6d-ac67-b328a7fc1b50.jpg\" alt=\"a woman looking at a mask\" width=\"997\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/d3288777-6185-4b6d-ac67-b328a7fc1b50.jpg 997w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/d3288777-6185-4b6d-ac67-b328a7fc1b50-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/d3288777-6185-4b6d-ac67-b328a7fc1b50-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/d3288777-6185-4b6d-ac67-b328a7fc1b50-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-36\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychological_Effects_and_Long-Term_Impact\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychological Effects and Long-Term Impact<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-37\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There will be long lasting emotional effects like not being able to trust someone again for a while. After what you lived through you are not going to want to trust that someone else won\u2019t hurt you like that again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-38\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Take it slow, build trust and if you see a red flag leave. It is up to you now. You will not be forced to be with someone you don\u2019t want to be with. You have the choice to leave whenever you want and this is new and scary but kind of cool.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-39\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may experience Cognitive dissonance, you love your abuser, but you hate your abuser. It\u2019s confusing you fell in love with one version of your abuser and then left a completely different version. Your brain is trying to figure out which version is real.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-40\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also suffer from trauma bond. You were completely controlled by your abuser, now you are free and not sure how to function, you were not allowed to make your own decisions and now you are going to. You want to call for permission, no joke. But DON\u201dT.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-41\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After what you lived through you are now a warrior who is returning from battle. You are not sure of who you are or what is healthy in a relationship vs. what is toxic. Take time and work through feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-42\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you start finding yourself and finding your own core values it\u2019s easier to navigate relationships. In the beginning you will be guarded and that is ok. You are in a protective mode, trying to avoid another narcissist.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1823 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5d6ca601-6918-47b8-ae3d-1bd1651ee5c8.jpg\" alt=\"a woman writing in a book\" width=\"924\" height=\"616\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5d6ca601-6918-47b8-ae3d-1bd1651ee5c8.jpg 924w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5d6ca601-6918-47b8-ae3d-1bd1651ee5c8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5d6ca601-6918-47b8-ae3d-1bd1651ee5c8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5d6ca601-6918-47b8-ae3d-1bd1651ee5c8-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-43\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_and_Contributing_Dynamics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes and Contributing Dynamics\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-44\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist has been gaslighting, love bombing, and blame shifting. Just to mention a few of their tactics. This leads to the deterioration of your self-esteem and emotional well-being. Never knowing what\u2019s real and what is just a tactic of abuse.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-45\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After an extended period of time of being demeaned and devalued and it being instilled in you in everything you do. It would be impossible to not think that what is being said to you over and over again isn\u2019t true.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-46\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are told you are worthless and a drain or that you&#8217;re not smart or pretty over and over again. It becomes hard to ignore and you start to believe what you hear. It\u2019s time now to start to rethink your true self. You are an amazing individual who deserves more.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-47\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It intensifies if you were also abused by a narcissist as a child. Being told that I was nothing, just a girl, and I better hope I can be a good wife. What else could I have done but become the best wife possible to the biggest narcissist yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-48\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you were exposed to narcissistic treatment as a child, you learned at an early age to not question your narcissist and just do what you&#8217;re told. When you meet the next narcissist, you fall right into your pattern of serving and obeying.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1824 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1dee9976-b781-494c-aa07-df5cc4c6cd6c.jpg\" alt=\"a woman's face with a broken glass\" width=\"995\" height=\"663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1dee9976-b781-494c-aa07-df5cc4c6cd6c.jpg 995w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1dee9976-b781-494c-aa07-df5cc4c6cd6c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1dee9976-b781-494c-aa07-df5cc4c6cd6c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1dee9976-b781-494c-aa07-df5cc4c6cd6c-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-49\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Recover_from_Narcissistic_Victim_Syndrome\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Recover from Narcissistic Victim Syndrome\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-50\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first thing to do is to acknowledge what you\u2019ve been through. Name it. Own it that you survived it. And be proud that you walked away from it. You are so amazingly strong for just that alone. Now you\u2019re rebuilding yourself. Damn Superwoman!!!!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-51\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set up your boundaries. And definitely explore black or gray rocking techniques. Yes it\u2019s hard but so is everything you\u2019ve been through. You will notice this strange peace within you once you block them on social media and from contacting you. You are truly FREE!!!!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-52\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get help. You are a super hero, no doubt. But you need to talk to someone, a professional can guide you through your emotions and thoughts. And help you to work through the hard stuff. It\u2019s worth every minute and penny.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-53\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start to build the true you. The new you. The No longer being abused you. Find what makes you happy. Social groups, crafts, reading. Journaling, affirmations, meditation. Whatever works for you to connect with yourself and start liking you again and smile.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-54\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to be compassionate with yourself and patient. You are coming out of a war not just an everyday battle. Some days you might want to curl up like a potato on the coach with bon bons. That is ok. Try to move 1 step forward each day in healing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-55\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But reward yourself when you can. You need down time. You have been fighting a battle no one knew about for a long time. Even soldiers in the war fields need a break once in a while and so do you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-55\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1825 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0104cd32-2ae1-499c-98c8-2eeae72e635e.jpg\" alt=\"a woman in a white dress standing on a dirt road with her arms out\" width=\"924\" height=\"616\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0104cd32-2ae1-499c-98c8-2eeae72e635e.jpg 924w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0104cd32-2ae1-499c-98c8-2eeae72e635e-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0104cd32-2ae1-499c-98c8-2eeae72e635e-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0104cd32-2ae1-499c-98c8-2eeae72e635e-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-57\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissistic Victim Syndrome is a real thing. Doctors are exploring it more each day and developing new helpful options to help us in our healing. What we suffer from is not only PTSD, Depression, anxiety, etc. We have a complicated combination called Narcissist Victim Syndrome.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-58\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I was in my relationship for 30 years to a narcissist with a family full of narcissists, I had 2 narcissistic parents and 2 narcissist siblings. And today I help others recover from their narcissistic abuse. Is healing possible, yes. Is it a long journey Hell yeah.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The road is not easy and not straight, but there is a destination. It\u2019s being your true authentic self and being able to smile without being told to.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you recognize these signs or feel trapped in a narcissistic relationship, please know that you&#8217;re not alone \u2013 and it&#8217;s not your fault.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your healing journey matters, and support is available. Visit themarymcconnell.com for free educational resources, recovery tools, and a community of survivors who understand exactly what you&#8217;re going through.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For immediate help: \u2022 National Domestic Violence Hotline:<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | Ca<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ll 1-800-799-7233 \u2022 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 \u2022 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your voice matters. If you have additional resources that have helped you, please share them in the comments below \u2013 together we can create a network of support for everyone who needs it.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you dealt with a narcissist? Your story could help someone else recognize the signs or feel less alone. Share your experience in the comments if you feel comfortable doing so.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember: You deserve love that feels safe, not chaotic. You deserve respect, not manipulation. You deserve healing, and it&#8217;s possible. \ud83d\udc99<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for more guidance on narcissism and recovery from narcissistic abuse? Explore our collection of expert articles on recognizing toxic patterns, healing, and reclaiming your confidence. Start your journey to empowerment and emotional freedom with these helpful blog posts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-eyes\/\">The Hidden Meaning Behind the Narcissist Eyes<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/why-do-narcissists-want-to-hurt-you\/\">Why Do Narcissists Want to Hurt You: The Truth Behind Their Manipulative Behavior<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-to-expose-a-narcissist\/\">How to Expose a Narcissist Safely Without Falling Into Their Trap<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/what-does-narc-mean\/\">What Does Narc Mean? A Deep Dive into Narcissism and Its Impact on Relationships<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-and-the-silent-treatment\/\">Narcissist and the Silent Treatment: How to Recognize, Respond and Reclaim Your Voice<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-at-work\/\">Dealing with a Narcissist at Work: 9 Survival Strategies to Protect Your Sanity and Career<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-to-shut-down-a-narcissist\/\">How to Shut Down a Narcissist: 7 Powerful Responses to Silence Them<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-traits-in-males\/\">Narcissistic Traits in Males: 12 Disturbing Signs You Can\u2019t Ignore<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/do-narcissists-know-they-are-narcissists\/\">Do Narcissists Know They Are Narcissists? The Truth About Their Self-Perception and Denial<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-does-the-narcissist-feel-when-you-move-on\/\">How Does the Narcissist Feel When You Move On: The Shocking Truth They Don\u2019t Want You to Know!<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/are-narcissists-evil\/\">Are Narcissists Evil or Products of Their Past?<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-love-bombing\/\">Narcissist Love Bombing: How to Spot the Signs Before It\u2019s Too Late<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-quotes\/\">40 Eye-Opening Narcissist Quotes That Reveal How Narcissists Think and Manipulate<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/what-causes-narcissism\/\">What Causes Narcissism: Find Out About Its Origins<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/signs-you-are-healing-from-narcissistic-abuse\/\">10 Empowering Signs You\u2019re Healing from Narcissistic Abuse<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/things-narcissists-say\/\">Things Narcissists Say: 18 Classic Phrases That Reveal Their True Personality<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-family\/\">The Toxic Dynamics of a Narcissistic Family: How Control and Silence Keep the Cycle Alive<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/can-a-narcissist-change-for-the-right-woman\/\">Can a Narcissist Change for the Right Woman? Why Love Alone Isn\u2019t Enough to Fix Them<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/long-term-effects-of-narcissistic-abuse\/\">Understanding and Overcoming the Long-Term Effects of Narcissistic Abuse<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-to-break-up-with-a-narcissist\/\">How to Break Up with a Narcissist: The Step-by-Step Guide to Leaving Without Losing Yourself<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-are-narcissists-created\/\">How Are Narcissists Created: Uncovering the Deep-Rooted Causes of Narcissism<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/stages-of-narcissistic-abuse\/\">The Stages of Narcissistic Abuse Explained and How to Break the Cycle<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Narcissistic Victim Syndrome or (NVS) is not just a quick fix diagnosis of your mental status. This is a condition caused by&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-narcissistic-manipulation-tactics"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":76,"label":"Narcissistic Manipulation Tactics"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Re-EDIT-90.jpg",1024,576,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Mary McConnell","author_link":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/author\/marymc206outlook-com\/"},"comment_info":"","category_info":[{"term_id":76,"name":"Narcissistic Manipulation Tactics","slug":"narcissistic-manipulation-tactics","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":76,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Discover the most common narcissistic manipulation tactics, from gaslighting and blame-shifting to guilt and control, so you can spot the patterns and protect yourself.","parent":0,"count":21,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":76,"category_count":21,"category_description":"Discover the most common narcissistic manipulation tactics, from gaslighting and blame-shifting to guilt and control, so you can spot the patterns and protect yourself.","cat_name":"Narcissistic Manipulation Tactics","category_nicename":"narcissistic-manipulation-tactics","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1818"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2852,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions\/2852"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}