Narcissism is linked to both inflated self-esteem and low self-esteem. Narcissists may exaggerate their achievements and set unrealistic goals, but also feel fragile and inferior. Trained professionals can provide treatment through psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. It’s important to note that not all narcissists have the same symptoms or extremity.
In general, narcissism and self-esteem have a twofold connection. On the one hand, narcissistic people typically convey inflated self-esteem, but on the other hand, this high self-esteem is often false. So while a person with narcissism may seem extremely confident and confident on the outside, she may feel fragile and inferior on the inside. Sufferers can seek help from experienced therapists or psychiatrists to treat both narcissism and self-esteem issues.
To others, and perhaps to some extent themselves, people with narcissism tend to show an extreme level of trust. They often exaggerate or outright lie about the things they have achieved or accomplished. Such a high level of trust can lead them to set goals for themselves that may seem easily achievable, but are actually not realistic or even possible. Sometimes, the connection between narcissism and self-worth leads a narcissist to believe they are better or more important or special than other people. The effects of self-esteem inflation like what narcissists feel can also lead them to assume that other people are jealous of them.
While unnaturally high self-esteem is one of the symptoms of narcissism, underneath the surface people with narcissism usually have low self-esteem. As a result, some of their inner feelings or personality traits seem to conflict with what they are transmitting externally. For example, many people with narcissism assume that others are jealous of them or believe they should be jealous of them. On the inside though, some narcissists are actually jealous of other people. Other seemingly conflicted traits include insecurity, being easily hurt, and having feelings of rejection.
Trained mental health professionals can provide treatment for people with narcissism that addresses both the narcissism and self-esteem issues. In general, a therapist might rely on long-term psychotherapy to treat narcissism and self-esteem issues. Some patients may need medication for some related symptoms. Group therapy, especially some types of support groups, can help a narcissist learn how to foster healthy self-esteem. Some extreme cases of narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder may require hospitalization.
It’s important to understand that the symptoms that form a connection between narcissism and self-esteem aren’t severed for every person diagnosed with narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder. Also, the extremity of the various symptoms could vary from one person to another. Simply put, it is irresponsible to assume that all narcissistic people have extremely high self-esteem or that all narcissists suffer from low self-esteem.
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