9. Lack of sleep Narcissistic abuse can mess with your sleep in a big way. Whether it’s from anxiety, racing thoughts, or even insomnia caused by the constant stress, a lack of sleep is a major factor in chronic fatigue and burnout. Sleep is essential for your body to recover, and when you’re not getting enough of it, your energy levels plummet. Dr. Robert Stickgold, a neuroscientist and sleep expert, explains that sleep deprivation impacts every part of your life, from mood to cognitive function. Without adequate rest, you’re more likely to feel mentally and physically exhausted, which only worsens the effects of narcissistic abuse. The less sleep you get, the more fatigued you become, leading to a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.
10. Emotional invalidation Narcissists are masters at minimizing or dismissing your feelings, making you feel like your emotions don’t matter. This emotional invalidation can cause you to second-guess yourself, leading to a constant internal battle between what you feel and what they tell you. Over time, this internal conflict can leave you feeling emotionally drained and exhausted because you’re constantly trying to reconcile the two. Dr. Karyl McBride, a family therapist and author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough?, explains that emotional invalidation from a narcissist can lead to self-doubt and chronic stress. When you’re always questioning your own feelings and experiences, it’s easy to become mentally worn out, contributing to fatigue and burnout.
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