Narcissistic is a term that is often overused and attributed. Here is the Mayo Clinic definition Narcissistic personality disorder - Mayo Clinic
Manipulative definition from Cambridge Dictionary: manipulative Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary
Toxicity, or toxic relationships, as discussed in a Psychology Today article:
Dead Link Removed
In the definitions of narcissistic personality disorder, manipulative, and toxic relationships, there are things that I consider symptoms of/things that come up with PTSD. Is there not overlap? Is it simply just an overlap of symptoms without any correlation between NPD and PTSD? Relationships with a PTSD sufferer do not have to be toxic ones; there are plenty examples on this site of that. Do PTSD relationships just have a higher chance of being toxic? (Duh, right?)
Disclaimer: My SO is a liar and a cheater and an ass. I am co-dependent and have preexisting self-esteem and trust issues that have since been further reignited. I have also recently become aware that my depression meds are increasing my anxiety to higher than ever. I need to just walk away, as I truly think that is the best outcome for both of us at this point. I have most likely allowed this behavior for so long because of his PTSD. I understand that PTSD does not cause lying, cheating, and abusive behaviors, and that those are not symptoms. Despite this, I can't shake the voice in my head that tries to rationalize his behavior as a byproduct of his PTSD and the situations he experienced that caused his PTSD. What about the good parts of him? The glimpses of the decent human? Does the shared darkness inside of him overpower that good at this point?
I haven't been in the forums much recently. I feel like a broken record at this point and I don't know what to do. Rather...I know what I should do and don't want to do it. Your advice is great and I'm sure I'll get similar advice on this thread. I don't mind hearing your advice, but I would also like to spark a discussion on narcissism, manipulation, and toxicity vs. PTSD and get your opinions. I would also like to know, if these things exist in your relationship, how do you deal?
Thanks for listening.
Manipulative definition from Cambridge Dictionary: manipulative Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary
Toxicity, or toxic relationships, as discussed in a Psychology Today article:
Dead Link Removed
In the definitions of narcissistic personality disorder, manipulative, and toxic relationships, there are things that I consider symptoms of/things that come up with PTSD. Is there not overlap? Is it simply just an overlap of symptoms without any correlation between NPD and PTSD? Relationships with a PTSD sufferer do not have to be toxic ones; there are plenty examples on this site of that. Do PTSD relationships just have a higher chance of being toxic? (Duh, right?)
Disclaimer: My SO is a liar and a cheater and an ass. I am co-dependent and have preexisting self-esteem and trust issues that have since been further reignited. I have also recently become aware that my depression meds are increasing my anxiety to higher than ever. I need to just walk away, as I truly think that is the best outcome for both of us at this point. I have most likely allowed this behavior for so long because of his PTSD. I understand that PTSD does not cause lying, cheating, and abusive behaviors, and that those are not symptoms. Despite this, I can't shake the voice in my head that tries to rationalize his behavior as a byproduct of his PTSD and the situations he experienced that caused his PTSD. What about the good parts of him? The glimpses of the decent human? Does the shared darkness inside of him overpower that good at this point?
I haven't been in the forums much recently. I feel like a broken record at this point and I don't know what to do. Rather...I know what I should do and don't want to do it. Your advice is great and I'm sure I'll get similar advice on this thread. I don't mind hearing your advice, but I would also like to spark a discussion on narcissism, manipulation, and toxicity vs. PTSD and get your opinions. I would also like to know, if these things exist in your relationship, how do you deal?
Thanks for listening.
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