Did you know that narcissistic abuse can affect personal hygiene in unexpected ways? It might sound surprising, but the truth is that the emotional toll of dealing with a narcissist can seep into many areas of your life, including how you care for yourself. This often stems from stress, low self-esteem, and feeling overwhelmed. Today, we’ll explore some of the strange and unexpected ways narcissistic abuse can impact your hygiene habits. Are you ready for number one?
1. Skipping showers for days
You might find yourself skipping showers for days after experiencing narcissistic abuse—not because you’re embracing a minimalist water conservation lifestyle, but because your brain is stuck in survival mode. Essential self-care often disappears. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, explains that narcissistic abuse can leave you feeling so emotionally drained that even a simple task like taking a shower feels burdensome. When you’re mentally exhausted, hygiene isn’t always at the top of your to-do list. It’s not that you want to smell like a sock; you’re just too worn out to care.
2. Over-showering
On the flip side, narcissistic abuse might make you over-shower, as if you’re auditioning for a soap commercial. You could be trying to wash away all the toxic vibes, scrubbing off the emotional grime. Psychologist Dr. Judith Orloff notes that narcissistic abuse can leave you feeling emotionally dirty, leading to long showers in an attempt to cleanse yourself. Spoiler: it won’t fix everything. But when faced with manipulation and gaslighting, it’s easy to focus on the one thing you can control—how clean you are.
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