In this series, I call narcissists not only people diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (something that can only be done by a psychiatrist who is treating a patient) but also all people who have a Narcissistic Personality Style. In other words, anyone whose modus operandi is frequently toxic and narcissistic behaviour.

The same goes for psychopathy. Some manipulative behaviours are more observed in psychopaths, sociopaths (antisocial personality disorder), etc. But they can also be conducted by those who are neurotypical (a person who does not have a diagnosed mental disorder), especially if this person is steeped in cultures that have normalised these toxic attitudes.

For reasons of writing practicality and because I am a woman, I write narcissist in the masculine and victim in the feminine. But make the correct mental adaptation for your case. Narcissists can be people of any gender, sexual orientation, social class, education level, ethnicity, nationality, religion, etc. Any adult person can be a narcissist, and anyone can become a victim of them. In fact, hardly anyone will escape unscathed from suffering direct or indirect narcissistic abuse. Not even narcissists themselves.

This blog is not written by a person with formal education in mental health. My perspective on this topic is from the point of view of productivity and management. And also from the perspective of those who identify with the victims. Therefore, it is an opinion blog. I base my opinions on many books and scientific articles. I read more than twenty books on the topic to write this series. But ultimately, what I present here is the result of my personal interpretation based on my experience.

If you are experiencing any serious mental health or abuse issues (physical, psychological, etc.), this blog is not suitable to help you. Please urgently seek support from specialised professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, the women’s police station, and NGOs that support victims of abuse, among others.

If you have self-destructive thoughts, please call helpline services available in your location. You do not have to struggle with complicated feelings alone.

The copyright of these texts belongs to the author. If you cite any part of this blog, please follow your country’s academic citation rules, referencing your citation with a link to the post. Please request authorisation via the Contact form for other uses that exceed regular citations.

Finally, if you are still recovering from narcissistic abuse, do not let the narcissist know that you know about narcissism!

Click here to read the narcissism posts.

Photo of Ana smiling. Ana is a middle-aged white woman with large brown eyes and shoulder-length, wavy, blonde-streaked hair.

Ana Cecilia is a professor at UFMG University in Brazil. She researches inclusive management and ICT for museums, libraries, and archives. Ana lives in Belo Horizonte with her husband, Alberto, and their two children. She loves reading, drawing, hiking, and travelling.