Did you know that around 5-6% of people in the US have a narcissistic personality disorder? This mental condition often has roots in a person’s childhood and is more common in men than women. NPD often causes people to act in chaotic ways that can cause harm to other people.
Here’s all you need to know about this mental health problem and its connection to a person’s childhood:
Childhood roots
Young children tend to be naturally selfish since they don’t have a strong understanding of other people’s desires and needs. As they grow into teenagers, they struggle for independence and slowly decrease their levels of self-centeredness. Children must develop lasting and healthy self-esteem levels so that they can take care of themselves and others at the same time.
If a child wants to function well in society and in their family, they must learn to look at other people’s views and empathize with their feelings. Healthy kids usually show sincere kindness and care about other people’s well-being.
A person with a narcissistic disorder usually has very low self-esteem. They might display apathetic behavior and filter information according to the impact that it might have on their ego. Their actions often reflect that they strongly believe in their uniqueness and superiority and strongly desire worship and admiration.
Origins of narcissistic behaviors
Most narcissistic features come from unhealthy childhood environments that use less-than-ideal child-rearing techniques, such as neglect or over-pampering. Parents who are overly involved in their child’s life might hold on to a pedestal and see an unrealistic, idealized version of their child. Similarly, abusive parents view their children in an unrealistic and devalued manner. These behaviors can cause children to develop NPD as a way to cope or survive.
Warning signs of NPD
Since teenagers are usually more focused on themselves, clinicians don’t diagnose people with narcissistic personality disorder before they’re legal adults. However, there are certain warning signs that indicate that a teenager might develop narcissism:
- Persistent need to win, regardless of who gets hurt
- Persistent lying for the sake of their own benefit
- Persistent bullying, degrading, and scapegoating
- Egotistical view of own self-worth
- Entitled attitude
- Aggressive response to being wronged or criticized
- Shifting blame for undesirable outcomes
What can you do?
If you’re dealing with a narcissist in your life, it’s important to create and uphold strong boundaries to maintain your peace of mind. Help them build healthy self-esteem and hold them accountable for their actions so that they learn to keep other people’s feelings in mind.
You can also help young adults and teens learn how to recognize a narcissist so that they can think critically and protect themselves from any toxic harm.
Get in touch with a professional
If you or someone you love are showing excessively narcissistic traits and want to improve your relationship with yourself and others, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional. Natobe Healthcare has experienced therapists who can use a variety of therapeutic techniques to provide mental health, behavioral health, and psychiatry services in Will County at competitive prices.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more.