Leave that Narcissist

By Carlene Cai Randolph | Updated January 20, 2023

Leaving an unhealthy relationship with a narcissist can be complex and challenging. Narcissists are known for their manipulative and controlling behavior, and they can make it difficult for their partners to leave the relationship. However, it is essential to remember that you deserve to be in a healthy, loving relationship and have the power to leave an unhealthy situation.

Here are a few tips for women who are leaving a relationship with a narcissist:

1. Seek Support: Leaving a narcissist can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to seek support from friends, family, and professionals. Surround yourself with people who love and care about you, and seek the help of a therapist or counselor who can guide you through the process of leaving the relationship.
2. Set Boundaries: Narcissists often have difficulty respecting boundaries, so it’s essential to set clear boundaries with your partner and communicate them clearly. This will help you establish healthy relationship dynamics and protect yourself from further manipulation and abuse.
3. Be Prepared for Resistance: Narcissists are known for resisting change, so be prepared for your partner to try and convince you to stay in the relationship. It’s important to remember that their resistance is a tactic to control you and that you have the right to leave the relationship.
4. Document Everything: Document any instances of abuse or manipulation that occur in the relationship. Keep a diary or journal of events, and save any relevant emails or text messages. This documentation can be helpful if you need to seek legal or professional help in the future.
5. Take Care of Yourself: Leaving a relationship with a narcissist can be emotionally and physically draining, so taking care of yourself during this process is essential. Get enough rest, eat well, and engage in activities you enjoy.
6. Seek Legal Help: In case of physical, emotional, or financial abuse and harassment, seeking legal help can significantly assist. A lawyer can help you with the legal process of separating from the narcissist, protect your rights and help you navigate the legal system.
7. Create a Safety Plan: Make a safety plan for yourself and your children if you have any. This can include finding a safe place to stay, changing your phone number and social media accounts, and informing trusted friends and family members of your situation.

Recognize that leaving an unhealthy relationship with a narcissist can be challenging, but it is an important step toward healing and recovery. According to research, victims of narcissistic abuse can experience adversativeverseive effects on their mental and physical health, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

Research shows that people in a relationship with a narcissismanye a wide range of mental health problems. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that people in a relationship with a narcissist are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who have not.

Another study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that people in a relationship with a narcissist are more likely to experience low self-esteem, shame, and emotional dysregulation.

Additionally, research shows that the emotional abuse that often occurs in relationships with narcissists can have long-term effects on the brain, including changes in the structure and function of the brain regions involved in emotional processing.

Healing and recovery are possible after leaving a relationship with a narcissist. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can essentially assist your steps in the healing process. You can also find support from friends, family, and support groups. Self-care practices such as exercise, meditation and giving yourself grace can also help with healing.