Stigma Surrounding Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Is ‘Narcissistic Abuse’ to Blame?
By ANGELA RUIZ
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) has become a buzzword in today’s conversations on mental health, but with that attention has come a stigma. It’s increasingly common to hear the term “narcissistic abuse” thrown around in conversations about toxic relationships. But what does it really mean to have NPD? And are these terms doing more harm than good?
NPD, characterized by patterns of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, is often misunderstood. While it’s true that individuals with NPD may struggle with interpersonal relationships, it's important to recognize that this condition stems from deep-seated insecurities and early childhood trauma. However, popular media, fueled by social media and online discussions, has painted a much darker picture of individuals with NPD, often linking the disorder with abuse or manipulation.
A requested anonymous senior at Communications High School expressed concern about the use of terms like "narcissistic abuse," which she believes are often used inaccurately.
“I mean, I personally never knew much about stuff like that since it wasn’t put in my face a lot,” she said. “But after hearing about how it actually forms and stuff, I think that people definitely use words that they don’t even know the meaning of like ‘narcissistic abuse.’”
The rise in internet discussions and self-diagnosis, especially on platforms like TikTok, has contributed to the term "narcissistic abuse" becoming a catch-all phrase to describe toxic relationships. But what gets lost in these oversimplified discussions is the complexity of NPD itself and the potential for misunderstanding.
While it's true that some individuals with NPD may be abusive or manipulative, this is not a universal characteristic of the disorder. Many people with NPD are not violent, but rather, they struggle with insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt. The stereotype of the “dangerous narcissist” ignores the fact that this personality disorder is often born from trauma, and is rarely a conscious decision to harm others.
“Yeah, some people can be like that and also happen to have NPD, but that doesn’t mean that the standard should be that everybody with NPD is an abuser or inherently dangerous,” the CHS senior added. “Everything stems from insecurity.”
The prevalence of media portrayals that conflate NPD with abusive behavior has consequences. It not only stigmatizes those living with the disorder but also contributes to the harmful cycle of misunderstanding and mistreatment of individuals who may already be struggling.
In recent years, some advocates for mental health awareness have started to challenge the negative rhetoric surrounding NPD. Groups are calling for a more nuanced discussion that distinguishes between toxic behavior and mental health conditions that require treatment and understanding.
“I think it's important for people to understand that when we talk about disorders like NPD, we're talking about something that isn’t about villainizing someone. It’s about recognizing a deeply ingrained struggle that people need support to overcome,” said the CHS senior. “It’s not black and white.”
As the conversation about mental health continues to evolve, we must move beyond the easy labels. Rather than demonizing individuals with NPD or any other mental health condition, it's time to focus on empathy, understanding, and the complexities that come with these disorders. It’s through these conversations—more thoughtful and less sensational—that we can start to break down the stigma and build a society where mental health is treated with the care it deserves.
