Hitting rock bottom can mean different things to different individuals. It can be a turning point for some individuals and could be a setback for others. Now the important question is “Do they ever hit rock bottom?”
The answer is NO. In my 6 years of marriage with a narcissist, i always questioned myself about this and after gaining so much insight i have come to this conclusion that they rarely hit the rock bottom. They may struggle, face challenges, or have moments of despair but their grandiosity never lets them actually hit the bottom. They may seem confident but they are insecure beings who feed their ego by humiliating and crushing others. Even at their lowest, they are still narcissists who have little to no empathy for others. They never take responsibility for their own actions and they blame others for their own failure.
What are the signs of a narcissist hitting rock bottom?
Every individual may exhibit different signs when falling at their lowest. A narcissist struggling Having witnessed my ex husband struggle, following are the signs i obsereved:
- Increased irritability
- Excessive rage
- Impulsivity
- Rigidity
- Intense emotional reactions
- Blaming others
- Denying the consequences
- Identity crisis
- Desperation for attention
- Seeking external validation
- Feeling anxious
- Substance abuse
- Loss of relationships
Whenever you notice any of these signs, know that the narcissist is struggling. Now let me show you how you can cope up with these signs?
To deal with these extreme behavioral outbursts; firstly you need to maintain a safe distance so they cannot physically harm you. Try your best to avoid conflict with them, in worst cases seekh support from family and close friends. For your own psychological and emotional wellbeing, consult a therapist. What I practiced personally was to develop assertiveness skills. While it may seem impossible for victims of narcissistic abuse, it is the need of the moment. Practicing this will help you create emotional boundaries with a narcissist and effectively deal with them.
How long does it take a narcissist to recover?
Interestingly, they don’t take long to recover from their lowest. This is due to their exaggerated self importance, ignorant behavior, difficulty handling criticism, dealing with their insecurity, and fear of failure. These characteristics collectively contribute to their instant recovery.
Being a partner, you must be there for them but try not to excessively fuel their ego, as it can lead to negative conseuqences. The recovery process of a narcissist is seemingly different from a normal individual, because it doesn’t aid in their personal growth or having any sense of guilt and redemption. Being an empath, it is hard for us to see them struggling but comforting them won’t change who they are.
But, no matter how low they fall or even if they recover, it is not possible for them to leave the narcissistic bubble. They will rise again.
What is the crucial factor of a narcissist hitting rock bottom?
Instead of considering themselves accountable, they blame the consequences of their failure on others. They are insecure from the inside so they will do anything if it threatens their self worth.
But when they fall low, having to face a series of challenges and failures, it is hard to blame others and finally have an opportunity to self-reflect and face the consequences of their actions. They have to finally confront reality and challenge their self image.
This crucial factor contain these combination of elements which leads to their downfall:
- Loss of reputation
- Aging
- Decline in physical appearance
- Betrayal by enablers
- Social isolation
- Financial crisis
- Health issues
- Professional setbacks
- Legal issues
- Failed relationships
By seeking professional help, joining support groups, and a will to change themselves can bring a positive shift in their mindset and behavior. For any intervention to work, it is important to have a genuine commitment to personal growth. The first step to transformation is acceptance and determination to break free from old toxic behavioral patterns. The journey is outgoing and dynamic but will definitely produce positive results.
Do they ever take accountability?
NPD is a mental health condition with little to no insight into their toxic behaviors. While some individuals with narcissist tendencies may be externally forced to take accountability, they never hold themselves responsible and always deflect blame onto others.
Never in my life have I seen a narcissist take responsibility for their actions or have guilt and remorse. They unapologetically drain people leaving them questioning their existence. They gaslight, manipulate, humiliate, bully, and guilt trip their victims because they just don’t care.
Their exploitation knows no end, and the first step to break this toxic cycle is to stop being their enablers and establish healthy boundaries to avoid hitting rock bottom yourself. Even after long term therapy, performing interventions, and engaging in the process of self reflection and growth; the results are not guaranteed.
