Why we question our own reality đź«‚
Why Narcissistic Abuse Leaves You Questioning Reality!
Introduction:
If you’ve been through narcissistic abuse, you might know that weird, sinking feeling of doubting your own memory because I know I do . Maybe you replay conversations in your head, questioning if you actually said what you remember saying. Or you catch yourself thinking, “Am I overreacting? Did I imagine that?” That’s gaslighting at work. And it’s exhausting. But here’s the thing you’re not losing it. What you experienced was real, and this blog is about why your mind feels scrambled and what you can do to start trusting yourself again because really you can.
The Fog of Narcissistic Abuse
Narcissists are experts at twisting reality. Small lies, half-truths, and manipulations pile up over time. One day, you might wake up wondering if you’re remembering correctly or just imagining things. This is called gaslighting, and it’s one of the most confusing parts of narcissistic abuse in fact it’s fucking horrific.
It’s like your brain becomes a hall of mirrors. You see your reflection, but it’s distorted, cracked, and tilted. You start questioning everything, even things that should be obvious. And the worst part? This self-doubt can sneak into your life even after the narcissist is gone sometimes long after.
Why You Start Doubting Yourself
Constant Contradiction: Narcissists often say one thing and do another, leaving you unsure which version of reality is correct.
Projection: They project their flaws onto you, making you think you’re the problem.
Isolation: By keeping you away from supportive friends or loved ones, they make you rely solely on their version of events.
Reclaiming Your Reality
The good news is you can rebuild trust in your own mind. Here are a few ways to start:
Journal Everything: Writing down events and your feelings about them helps you track patterns and see what really happened. It’s like giving your memory a backup hard drive.
Talk to Someone Who Gets It: Connecting with other survivors validates your experience. They’ll say, “Yep, that’s gaslighting,” and it’s a relief to hear it.
Learn the Red Flags: Understanding narcissistic tactics makes it easier to spot lies and manipulation before they mess with your mind.
Therapy Helps: A trained professional can help you untangle the lies from the truth and rebuild confidence in your own perceptions.
A Personal Note
I know how lonely it feels when you’re second-guessing yourself. It’s like your mind has been hijacked, and you’re waiting for it to come back. But it does come back. Slowly, with patience and support, you start trusting your thoughts again. And every time you recognize a manipulation for what it is, that’s a small victory worth celebrating—even if it’s just with a cup of tea and a sigh of relief or a “fuck the narc they didn’t win” air punch.
Conclusion:
Questioning your reality after narcissistic abuse is normal. It’s a natural response to the confusion and manipulation you endured. The key is to validate your own experiences, connect with supportive people, and give yourself permission to trust your mind again. You were not imagining it. You were not overreacting. And bit by bit, you will reclaim your clarity. So let’s get on it 🙌