{"id":18783,"date":"2023-09-18T10:19:45","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T09:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/?p=18783"},"modified":"2023-09-18T10:19:48","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T09:19:48","slug":"how-to-force-a-narcissistic-breakdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/how-to-force-a-narcissistic-breakdown\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Force a Narcissistic Breakdown?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-table-of-content ultp-block-98f9b9\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-block-toc\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-header\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-heading\">Table of Contents<\/div><div class=\"ultp-collapsible-toggle ultp-toggle-collapsed ultp-collapsible-right\"><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-open\" href=\"javascript:;\">[Open]<\/a><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-hide\" href=\"javascript:;\">[Close]<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-toc-style1 ultp-block-toc-body\" style=\"display:none;\"><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#What_Is_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown?\">What Is a Narcissistic Breakdown?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Is_It_the_Same_as_a_Collapse?\">Is It the Same as a Collapse?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Signs_of_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown\">Signs of a Narcissistic Breakdown<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Stages_of_Narcissistic_Collapse\">Stages of Narcissistic Collapse<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Cause_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown_or_Collapse?\">How to Cause a Narcissistic Breakdown or Collapse?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_Long_Does_Narcissistic_Collapse_Last?\">How Long Does Narcissistic Collapse Last?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Happens_After_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown?\">What Happens After a Narcissistic Breakdown?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Which_Kinds_of_Narcissists_Are_More_Likely_to_Have_a_Breakdown?\">Which Kinds of Narcissists Are More Likely to Have a Breakdown?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#If_You_Experience_Narcissistic_Collapse,_What_Should_You_Do?\">If You Experience Narcissistic Collapse, What Should You Do?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A narcissistic breakdown happens when someone with narcissistic personality disorder feels vulnerable or exposed and can&#8217;t rely on their usual defenses to cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This breakdown is a response to their <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/11-signs-you-are-narcissistic-supply\/\">narcissistic supply<\/a> being cut off or changed, and it can result in narcissists acting enraged, impulsive, or extremely defensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because narcissists have fragile self-esteem, they constantly rely on external sources for validation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they lose those sources, they feel threatened and may not know how to react. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their false self becomes more entangled with their true self, and this merging feels impossible to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"How to Force a Narcissistic Breakdown \" class=\"wp-image-19024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-Force-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fafbd8\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_Is_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown?\"><strong>What Is a Narcissistic Breakdown?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s no secret that <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/traits-of-the-narcissist\/\">narcissists present as overly confident and grandiose<\/a> in everyday life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But underneath that facade lies a much different reality. Narcissists have a deep sense of emptiness within them, and they rely on other sources to provide them with external validation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, a breakdown can happen when that validation is threatened (or cut off entirely).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A narcissistic breakdown occurs when a narcissist&#8217;s usual defenses or behaviors stop working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This leads to a &#8220;breakdown&#8221; in behavior, in which the narcissist often becomes anxious, depressed, angry, ashamed, and lonely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a sign that the narcissist has lost control over their identity and doesn&#8217;t know how to cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, during a collapsed state, the narcissist realizes they are no longer all that special. This creates immense anxiety and a deep fear of being revealed for their &#8220;true selves&#8221; or as fakes or frauds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other times, the collapse leads to more anger. The narcissist can&#8217;t handle feeling exposed, so they will double down on their rage and exhibit destructive, chaotic, and even terrifying behaviors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fafafa\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Is_It_the_Same_as_a_Collapse?\"><strong>Is It the Same as a Collapse?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The terms narcissistic breakdown and narcissistic collapse are often used interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissistic collapse happens when a narcissist&#8217;s false self is threatened. The narcissist feels a loss of control, which results in them acting out toward others or themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Collapse happens in stages and doesn&#8217;t always lead to a full breakdown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A breakdown is generally the final stage of accepting that narcissistic behavior no longer works effectively.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fafadc\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Signs_of_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown\"><strong>Signs of a Narcissistic Breakdown<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When a narcissist has a breakdown, they feel misunderstood and even abandoned by others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Signs-of-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Signs-of-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Signs of a Narcissistic Breakdown\" class=\"wp-image-19004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Signs-of-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Signs-of-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Signs-of-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Signs-of-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They don&#8217;t receive what they want, creating immense internal tension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their confident image may be shattered (i.e. they didn&#8217;t get an important promotion or they&#8217;re crush doesn&#8217;t like them back).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The signs of a narcissistic breakdown include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>extreme irritability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>angry outbursts (also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/what-is-narcissistic-rage\/\">narcissistic rage<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>defensive behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>impulsive or self-destructive behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>withdrawing or isolating from loved ones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>depression or anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ending a relationship or threatening to do so<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissistic breakdown doesn&#8217;t follow a one-size-fits-all formula. For example, an overt narcissist might lash out at their loved ones and make dramatic claims about how nobody loves them. A covert narcissist might be quieter with their breakdown- they might act as if everything is okay, but then they go on a passive-aggressive social media rant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most narcissists will initially deny the breakdown when it&#8217;s happening. That&#8217;s because they might not even realize they&#8217;re experiencing narcissistic collapse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, the signs of breakdown closely resemble the signs of narcissistic rage (a common state they&#8217;re used to being in). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other times, they want to gaslight others and cause them to feel guilty or worried about what\u2019s going on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Stages_of_Narcissistic_Collapse\"><strong>Stages of Narcissistic Collapse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The stages of narcissistic collapse mirror that of the stages of grief. A collapsed narcissist feels out of control and doesn&#8217;t know how to cope with their circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Stages-of-Narcissistic-Collapse.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Stages-of-Narcissistic-Collapse-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Stages of Narcissistic Collapse\" class=\"wp-image-19022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Stages-of-Narcissistic-Collapse-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Stages-of-Narcissistic-Collapse-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Stages-of-Narcissistic-Collapse-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Stages-of-Narcissistic-Collapse.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If they have a co-occurring mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, those symptoms will likely flare up during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Denial\"><strong>Denial<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Denial is the first stage of narcissistic collapse. Most narcissists never fully leave this stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, a narcissist lacks insight into their behavior. They justify, rationalize, or blame others for their wrongdoings, and they may present as the victim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Anger\"><strong>Anger<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anger during narcissistic collapse can be severe. That\u2019s because the <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/the-narcissist-is-never-wrong\/\">narcissist never thinks they\u2019re wrong<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this stage, the narcissist is full of rage, and they become hostile, and they may become aggressive toward others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their anger may be directed at one person, but it can also be more general and may affect anyone in their life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A covert narcissist might become overly passive-aggressive or engage in silent treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Bargaining\"><strong>Bargaining<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the bargaining stage, a narcissist tries to &#8220;fix things.&#8221; At this point, they may have some insight into their problematic behaviors (and even be able to identify that they did something wrong). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They make promises to change or seek professional help. They might apologize for their actions, and they may express some guilt over how they hurt others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Depression\"><strong>Depression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The depression stage occurs when the narcissist experiences a deep hopelessness about their current situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is when they realize they can no longer maintain their false self and come to terms with their low self-worth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can lead the narcissist to stop functioning successfully, withdraw from others, engage in self-harm, and even feel suicidal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some narcissists will enter treatment at this point, but they&#8217;re generally only focused on treating the depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Acceptance\"><strong>Acceptance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reality has sunk in during the acceptance stage of narcissistic collapse, and a narcissist starts to recognize the severity of their behavior and identity truly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This self-awareness can lead to change- some narcissists will go to therapy or try to develop healthy strategies for emotional regulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, acceptance does not inherently mean &#8220;being cured,&#8221; and narcissists can still regress into old behaviors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f7f4d4\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How_to_Cause_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown_or_Collapse?\"><strong>How to Cause a Narcissistic Breakdown or Collapse?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s no guarantee you can trigger narcissistic collapse. However, if you have a strong insight into the narcissist&#8217;s behavior and know what generally causes an intense emotional reaction, you may trigger a narcissistic collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-cause-narcissistic-breakdwon.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-cause-narcissistic-breakdwon-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"How to cause narcissistic breakdwon\" class=\"wp-image-19007\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-cause-narcissistic-breakdwon-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-cause-narcissistic-breakdwon-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-cause-narcissistic-breakdwon-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-to-cause-narcissistic-breakdwon.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Set_Boundaries\"><strong>Set Boundaries<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people recognize that boundaries are essential for healthy relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But a narcissist feels threatened by limits- they feel entitled to do whatever they want and want to set the parameters for their relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You setting and sticking to your boundaries may cause them to collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Focus_On_Your_Own_Hobbies_or_Interests\"><strong>Focus On Your Own Hobbies or Interests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissists don&#8217;t value people thinking or acting differently from them, and this is especially true for romantic partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You focusing on your own life feels threatening and can trigger some of their self-doubt and self-importance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They may think their influence no longer matters, and that can cause them to lose control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Stop_Validating_Narcissistic_Traits\"><strong>Stop Validating Narcissistic Traits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may trigger narcissistic collapse by simply ignoring narcissistic behavior. Narcissists love attention &#8211; even arguing back to them can be fulfilling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid validating their narcissism in any way. If you must compliment them, make it genuine, sincere, and related to specific circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if they act aggressively or in a toxic way, call them out on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Build_a_Strong_Support_System\"><strong>Build a Strong Support System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissists often want to isolate their victims from the outside world. They don&#8217;t want external influence to affect their thoughts about the relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also need to maintain as much power as possible in the relationship, knowing other people might threaten that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to prevent this is by staying in close contact with your friends and family. Prioritize your support system, and don&#8217;t allow the narcissist to dictate how you spend your time socializing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"End_the_Relationship\"><strong>End the Relationship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissistic collapse often happens after an important relationship ends. This is especially true if the breakup or <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/the-no-contact-rule-the-narcissist-and-no-contact\/\">no-contact<\/a> takes them by surprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They lose their most important source of supply, and they will either scramble to find a new source of validation, or they will start collapsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Keep_Labeling_Their_Behavior\"><strong>Keep Labeling Their Behavior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t dismiss their toxic behavior. Name it for what it is. Tell the narcissist, &#8220;That is a form of gaslighting,&#8221; or, &#8220;I won&#8217;t tolerate you criticizing my moral character.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, keep in mind that this strategy doesn&#8217;t always work, and it may trigger even more narcissistic rage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if a narcissist is open to changing their behavior and improving the relationship, they might be more inclined to listen.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f9f8f8\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How_Long_Does_Narcissistic_Collapse_Last?\"><strong>How Long Does Narcissistic Collapse Last?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It varies. Some collapsed narcissists bounce back quickly, especially if they have multiple streams of narcissistic supply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-Long-Does-Narcissistic-Collapse-Last.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-Long-Does-Narcissistic-Collapse-Last-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"How Long Does Narcissistic Collapse Last\" class=\"wp-image-19010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-Long-Does-Narcissistic-Collapse-Last-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-Long-Does-Narcissistic-Collapse-Last-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-Long-Does-Narcissistic-Collapse-Last-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/How-Long-Does-Narcissistic-Collapse-Last.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Other narcissists may stay stuck in their intense feelings of sadness, anger, or shame for many months or years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Extreme collapse can lead to physical aggression towards others or themselves. In serious cases, it may result in a suicide attempt (the person often feels that life isn&#8217;t worth living if they can&#8217;t maintain their facade).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that the collapse <em>can <\/em>lead to change if the narcissist is willing to acknowledge their behavior and seek appropriate treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this is not something other people can control. If someone wants to change, they have to be willing to do the work and make the effort.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fbfbd6\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_Happens_After_a_Narcissistic_Breakdown?\"><strong>What Happens After a Narcissistic Breakdown?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, a narcissist will try to &#8220;cure&#8221; their narcissistic breakdown by <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/the-narcissist-out-of-control\/\">restoring their sense of power and contro<\/a>l. They will seek supply in whatever form they can find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-Happens-After-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-Happens-After-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"What Happens After a Narcissistic Breakdown\" class=\"wp-image-19013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-Happens-After-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-Happens-After-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-Happens-After-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-Happens-After-a-Narcissistic-Breakdown.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re with a narcissistic partner who has a breakdown, they might try to &#8220;save&#8221; the relationship. They may be overly apologetic and willing to do &#8220;whatever it takes&#8221; to fix things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other times, a narcissistic breakdown leads to serious changes in behavior. A narcissist might act extremely impulsively- this can look like quitting their job, trying drugs or using drugs more frequently, cheating on their partners,<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f4f4f4\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Which_Kinds_of_Narcissists_Are_More_Likely_to_Have_a_Breakdown?\"><strong>Which Kinds of Narcissists Are More Likely to Have a Breakdown?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Covert narcissists may be more likely to have a collapse than grandiose narcissists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Covert narcissists generally have some insight into their low self-esteem and often have co-occurring issues with depression, addiction, eating disorders, or anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Which-Kinds-of-Narcissists-Are-More-Likely-to-Have-a-Breakdown.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Which-Kinds-of-Narcissists-Are-More-Likely-to-Have-a-Breakdown-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Which Kinds of Narcissists Are More Likely to Have a Breakdown\" class=\"wp-image-19016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Which-Kinds-of-Narcissists-Are-More-Likely-to-Have-a-Breakdown-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Which-Kinds-of-Narcissists-Are-More-Likely-to-Have-a-Breakdown-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Which-Kinds-of-Narcissists-Are-More-Likely-to-Have-a-Breakdown-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Which-Kinds-of-Narcissists-Are-More-Likely-to-Have-a-Breakdown.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they tend to be more passive and insecure, they are impressionable about how others treat them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grandiose narcissists can also have a breakdown, but the stakes generally need to be higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, they might need to be fired from an important role or divorced to start reflecting inward. Even then, there&#8217;s no guarantee they will develop insight or change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f6f6d7\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"If_You_Experience_Narcissistic_Collapse,_What_Should_You_Do?\"><strong>If You Experience Narcissistic Collapse, What Should You Do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you identify as having narcissistic traits and think you&#8217;re in a collapsed state, it&#8217;s important to use this time to try to be <a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/i-dont-want-to-be-a-narcissist-anymore\/\">more reflective about your narcissism<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/If-You-Experience-Narcissistic-Collapse-What-Should-You-Do.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/If-You-Experience-Narcissistic-Collapse-What-Should-You-Do-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"If You Experience Narcissistic Collapse, What Should You Do\" class=\"wp-image-19019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/If-You-Experience-Narcissistic-Collapse-What-Should-You-Do-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/If-You-Experience-Narcissistic-Collapse-What-Should-You-Do-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/If-You-Experience-Narcissistic-Collapse-What-Should-You-Do-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/If-You-Experience-Narcissistic-Collapse-What-Should-You-Do.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about how you rely on admiration and grandiosity to survive. Remember that the need for continual external validation is a hollow endeavor &#8211; you will always feel vulnerable to needing reassurance to feel secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therapy can help change your thoughts and engage in more adaptive behaviors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because most narcissists have early trauma histories, working on those triggers is essential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also need to learn healthier ways of managing your emotions, and you will need to be more mindful and respectful in your relationships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A narcissistic breakdown happens when someone with narcissistic personality disorder feels vulnerable or exposed and can&#8217;t rely on their usual defenses to cope. This breakdown is a response to their narcissistic supply being cut off or changed, and it can result in narcissists acting enraged, impulsive, or extremely defensive. Because narcissists have fragile self-esteem, they &#8230; <a title=\"How to Force a Narcissistic Breakdown?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/how-to-force-a-narcissistic-breakdown\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Force a Narcissistic Breakdown?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19024,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18783"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18783\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thenarcissisticlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}