In the whirlwind of narcissistic abuse, self-care often becomes a distant memory. Survival takes precedence over basic hygiene and home upkeep.
Dr. Christina Hibbert, a clinical psychologist, notes that being in survival mode can push basic self-care to the bottom of your priority list. If your living space looks like a tornado hit, it’s likely because you’re too busy dodging emotional landmines to worry about vacuuming.
4. Dissociation
To cope with toxic situations, you might unconsciously disconnect from your surroundings. This dissociation can cause messes to pile up without you even noticing.
Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist and expert on emotional self-care, explains that dissociation creates a feeling of living in a different reality where mess and chaos become the norm. It’s not laziness; your brain is simply overwhelmed and can’t process the clutter.
5. Difficulty Prioritizing
When dealing with narcissistic abuse, prioritizing tasks feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Your brain is so overwhelmed that deciding whether to tackle dishes or laundry becomes an epic struggle.
Dr. Nicole LePera, a holistic psychologist, explains that the constant emotional turmoil hijacks your ability to prioritize, leaving you feeling stuck.
6. Isolation
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