If kept to a certain degree, narcissism can actually be healthy. It bolsters a number of positive things, including self-efficacy, a sense of gratitude and pride toward oneself, a solid attachment to a positive self-image, and a healthy interest in one’s accomplishments, social standing and appearance.
However, if excessive, narcissism has the tendency to become pathological, wherein, it may create a situation where it becomes difficult to form healthy relationships with others. The extreme need to be admired and validated combined with an inability to see and accept one’s flaws can make it difficult to grow as a person and move forward in a constructive manner. Individuals with pathological narcissism find it hard to accept shame as a normal emotion.
Depression and Narcissism
There are two distinct dimensions of narcissism: vulnerable and grandiose. The former covers the arrogant traits, characterized by the genuine sense of being superior, a tendency to exploit others and an inflated ego. Such narcissistic tendencies appear to be innate and authentic.
On the other hand, vulnerable narcissism often results from a history of neglect, trauma, and adversity. While vulnerable narcissists expect empathy from other, they don’t understand the give-and-take aspect. This leads to disappointment and victimhood. The people around them mostly end up feeling bitter and burned-out.
To explore the subject further, a scientific research was conducted recently. While researchers did find that pathological narcissism did increase the risk of depression, the exact link between the two couldn’t be identified. The root of the problem is hypothesized as the difficulty to deal with emotions.
Moving Past Vulnerable Narcissism
While it can be difficult to move away from vulnerable narcissism, it isn’t impossible. The key is to understand the distortions that are created when you fail to process emotions. While this can be painful, it’s absolutely essential to identify what’s not working, so it can be replaced with adaptive habits and strategies.
Moreover, to move past vulnerable narcissism, one has to learn greater gratitude, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, and has to move past masochistic habits. Knowing how to manage emotional pain in a healthy way is crucial as well. Self-compassion can serve as an effective tool here.
If you’re based in Mountain Brook or Birmingham, Alabama and are in search of a psychodynamic therapist specializing in couple therapy and depression or anxiety, connect with us online or by calling (205)-251-8808.