Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there? Now imagine that but with your entire life. That’s what cognitive fog from narcissistic abuse feels like. When someone constantly gaslights you by twisting reality, making you doubt yourself and rewriting history, your brain struggles to keep up. Over time, this mental exhaustion makes even basic tasks like showering or brushing your teeth slip through the cracks. Days blur together, and suddenly self-care feels like a puzzle you can’t solve. Dr. Carol McBride, author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough?, explains that narcissistic abuse creates a state of chronic confusion, making victims second-guess even simple decisions.
That’s why remembering to shower or do laundry feels oddly complicated. You’ve been trained to doubt your thoughts, and when your mind is this scrambled, hygiene takes a back seat—not because you don’t care, but because your brain is too busy trying to survive. The key to breaking free is reestablishing routine, even if it’s as small as setting a reminder to wash your face. It’s a step toward regaining control, one clear thought at a time.
4. Dissociation
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