What’s even more painful and concerning is how isolation affects your memory and cognitive abilities. One of the most disruptive effects of isolation in narcissistic relationships is its impact on memory and cognitive function. Chronic stress from isolation literally shrinks the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for forming and retrieving memories. This is why you struggle to remember specific incidents of abuse or feel confused about the timeline of events. The narcissist exploits this cognitive vulnerability through gaslighting, making you question your own memories and perceptions.
When your brain is already compromised by isolation-induced stress, it becomes much easier for the narcissist to convince you that your version of events is wrong. You find yourself saying things like, “Maybe I’m overreacting,” or “Maybe I’m remembering things wrong,” because your isolated brain genuinely struggles to trust its own processing. Beyond memory, the chronic stress of isolation impairs your working memory—the ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind. This makes it harder to plan, solve problems, or even engage in basic decision-making. This is why you may have felt stupid or incompetent during the relationship. But this isn’t a reflection of your actual intelligence; it’s a direct result of how isolation has compromised your cognitive function.
Addiction to the Narcissist
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