Narcissism Victim? Carefully select your advisors
By: Alan K. Yarborough
In recent years, there has been a trend of non-professionals identifying individuals as narcissists and advising others that they have been “done wrong” by this type of person. While the intentions of these individuals may be well-meaning, the consequences of their actions can be harmful and have long-term negative impacts on both the supposed “victim” and the person misdiagnosed as a narcissist.
One of the primary issues with this trend is the lack of professional training and expertise that non-professionals possess in accurately identifying and diagnosing narcissism. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a complex and nuanced condition that requires a thorough assessment by a trained professional, such as a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. Without this expertise, non-professionals may misdiagnose individuals as having NPD, leading to problems for both the supposed “victim” and the person misdiagnosed.
For example, an individual who has been misdiagnosed as a narcissist by a non-professional may be subject to harmful stereotypes and prejudices, leading to social and professional isolation. This can harm their mental and emotional well-being and lead to depression and anxiety. Additionally, a person misdiagnosed as a narcissist may be wrongly accused of behaviors they are not responsible for, further exacerbating their difficulties.
Furthermore, the advice given by non-professionals to the supposed “victim” of a narcissist can also hurt their lives. For example, they may be advised to end the relationship with the “narcissist,” which can be difficult and traumatic. They may also be advised to confront the narcissist, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening. In some cases, the supposed “victim” may even be advised to seek revenge, which can lead to criminal charges and legal problems.
In conclusion, the trend of non-professionals identifying individuals as narcissists and advising others that they have been “done wrong” by this type of person is harmful. It can have long-term negative impacts on the supposed “victim” and the misdiagnosed person. Individuals need to seek professional help if they suspect they may be in a relationship with a narcissist and to be cautious about accepting advice from non-professionals.
