Am I A Narcissist?
The term “narcissist” is becoming increasingly popular in our everyday lives. Across the media and even in conversation with others, hearing about people’s experiences with narcissism is not uncommon. In fact, one may even argue that this term is overused, as having Narcissistic Personality disorder is quite rare, with no more than 6.2 percent of the U.S. population meeting the criteria. However, all this talk of narcissism could leave a person wondering — am I a narcissist? In this blog post, we will discuss things to consider if you suspect you may have narcissistic personality disorder. 
As stated, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is rare. In fact, the only way to truly know if you have NPD is to speak with a licensed mental health professional. While there are several common traits associated with NPD, a trained professional will be able to most effectively evaluate and diagnose you with the condition. It is important to keep in mind that most individuals will only be diagnosed if their NPD is severely impacting their ability to function in their day-to-day life.
Indeed, the popularity of narcissism has contributed to the belief that if someone engages in behaviors such as gaslighting, manipulation, or lying, that they must be a narcissist. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are countless reasons someone may behave in an undesirable way, and not all of them are linked to NPD. Additionally, having an awareness that your behaviors are having a negative impact on others is not characteristic of narcissism. If you are someone who perhaps exhibits certain narcissistic behaviors from time to time, but you often feel remorse and take full responsibility for your actions, the likelihood that you have NPD is low, as these individuals do not typically have the awareness to recognize how their actions impact others.
Breaking the Stigma Around NPD
The popularity and overuse of the term “narcissist” has led to a significant stigma surrounding the disorder. No matter how negatively they may be portrayed in popular culture, narcissists are not inherently bad people. Ultimately, it is their behavior that is problematic, as they believe they are special and should be treated by others as such.
Additionally, much of the current dialogue surrounding relationships with a narcissist recommends cutting these individuals out of one’s life completely. Continuing to have a relationship with a narcissist can be difficult, as it could impact your mental health and make your life challenging. If you choose to remain in contact with a narcissist, setting and maintaining boundaries is critical. If these boundaries are broken, it is imperative to walk away and prioritize your wellness.
How New Perspective Counseling Can Help
With the help of a licensed mental health professional, it is possible for someone with NPD to recover. However, changing a learned behavior takes time, and narcissists often don’t seek out help on their own unless they are having other mental health issues such as anxiety. Therapists at New Perspective will take an individualized approach to treating NPD- focusing on getting to know the client and establishing a trusting relationship with them. If you or someone you know suspects they may have NPD, contact us and schedule an appointment today.
