People often assume that narcissists are self-serving and vindictive individuals. However, the reality is that they are often grappling with extremely low self-esteem and profound feelings of shame. Narcissists depend heavily on external validation, and when they suddenly lose that supply, they may experience an emotional breakdown known as a narcissistic collapse. Although research on this topic is limited, understanding narcissistic collapse can expand our knowledge of narcissism and help remove the stigma surrounding it. It reveals the deep-rooted feelings of narcissists and emphasizes that they, too, are human. If you’re open to recognizing a narcissist’s vulnerability, stay with me as I discuss ten things that occur during a narcissistic collapse.
1. Stress and Hurt
Many people view narcissists as carefree individuals who do not experience hurt or stress. While narcissists may project an inflated ego, they are not immune to emotional pain. This may be less visible in overt narcissists but can be quite pronounced in introverted ones. Regardless of their type, narcissists feel the same emotions, though they react differently. Introverted narcissists may withdraw when they don’t receive the attention they crave, leading to turmoil, stress, and hurt. This emotional upheaval often results in frustration, tears, and a struggle to function effectively.
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