For teenagers, relationship trauma can occur unexpectedly, at any stage. It's tough when you realize that someone in your life, whether a partner, family member, or friend, is unhealthy for you.
Ending such relationships can be really hard after investing time, energy, and emotions. Innova Joy is your support - reach out today to schedule an appointment and start your healing journey.
Toxic relationships can be tricky for teens because they might not seem 'abusive' in the traditional sense, but they can still cause deep emotional scars. The term 'narcissistic abuse' is becoming more widely recognized. It involves self-serving behavior that's subtle, like gaslighting, making you doubt yourself and feel unworthy or 'crazy.' These individuals may also isolate you from friends and family, leaving you feeling alone and dependent on them.
Narcissistic abuse can manifest in various ways, including:
Manipulating your perception of reality, making you doubt your thoughts, feelings, and memories.
Dismissing your emotions, needs, and concerns, making you feel unworthy or wrong.
Blaming you for things they are actually responsible for, deflecting their own behavior onto you.
Using guilt, fear, or charm to control and exploit your emotions and actions.
Cutting you off from friends and family, leaving you reliant solely on the narcissist for support.
Consistently putting you down, belittling your achievements or appearance.
Showering you with affection initially, then devaluing you to maintain control.
Punishing you by ignoring or withdrawing affection as a form of control.
Creating conflicts between you and others, sowing discord to maintain power.
Creating situations where you rely on them financially or emotionally, making it harder to leave.
Remember, narcissistic abuse is about manipulation and control, often leaving deep emotional scars. If you suspect you're in such a situation, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals is important.
The emotional manipulation in such situations can make you feel lost as you try to figure out what's real about yourself. Breaking free means you need to unlearn the lies you've come to believe about yourself, your relationships, and the people around you.
Innova Joy is here to support you. Our therapists are experts in dealing with trauma and abuse. They can assist you in rediscovering your inner truth, rebuilding self-trust, and establishing boundaries for healthier relationships in the future.
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