People who’ve been through narcissistic abuse often end up living in chaotic or messy conditions. It’s not just about being lazy; there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Imagine trying to keep your house clean while juggling feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and a constant need to second-guess yourself. Sounds exhausting, right?
1. Mental Fatigue
Dealing with a narcissist can feel like your brain has been tossed into a blender set on high. It’s not just a rough day—it’s like running a mental marathon that leaves you drained and out of steam. That feeling where you’re too exhausted to do anything but binge-watch your favorite show? That’s mental fatigue at work.
Dr. Judy Rosenberg, a trauma psychologist, puts it perfectly: narcissistic abuse can deplete your mental reserves so much that even simple tasks feel like monumental challenges. Constant exposure to someone who thrives on emotional chaos leaves you utterly worn out, making it difficult to keep your space clean.
2. Disrupted Routines
Living with a narcissist is like trying to follow a recipe while someone keeps changing the ingredients. Your daily routines—including essential cleaning habits—get tossed out the window.
You might start the day planning to tackle a mountain of laundry, but the chaos caused by the narcissist shatters your focus. Suddenly, the laundry has taken over your life. Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma, explains that narcissists excel at creating chaos, which wreaks havoc on your ability to stick to routines.
3. Neglect of Self-Care
continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
