This obsession often leads to delusions, paranoia, and even revenge plots. Their accusations are baseless, but they believe them with unshakable conviction.
Behavior 6: Sudden Health Complaints
Collapsed narcissists frequently feign health crises to manipulate others. If someone tries to distance themselves, the narcissist might fabricate an emergency—such as claiming to have a heart attack—to guilt them into returning.
Even minor ailments are exaggerated to garner attention. This behavior traps their caretakers in a cycle of constant worry and service, which feeds the narcissist’s sadistic need for control.
Behavior 7: Ruthless Blame Shifting
Even on their deathbed, narcissists will ruthlessly blame others, particularly their scapegoat children or family members. The scapegoat bears the brunt of their criticism and responsibilities, while the narcissist blindly favors the golden child, if there is one.
They’ll say things like, You were a mistake, or I regret having you. Their cruelty knows no bounds, even in their final moments. For the scapegoat, this behavior often provides closure—it’s a final confirmation of what they’ve always known.
Understanding narcissistic collapse is crucial to navigating relationships with narcissists. Their behavior can be incredibly damaging, especially during this stage, and recognizing these patterns can help protect yourself from their manipulation.
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