Relationship Narcissism?

[Tinyflame]

I'm sorry @Sweetpea76 I misunderstood, I thought @sportsgirl had ptsd. I forgot to look at the forum subject title. :(

For example, I would venture to guess that a PTSD sufferer reacting poorly to criticism would be more related to self loathing than any kind of sense of grandiosity, or that the self centered behavior comes from self preservation mode.

^^Totally agree. But that it could seem like NPD characteristics. And is (even unintentionally) self absorbed/ self-pre-occupied (speaking of my own behaviours).

 

[Gs172003]

This is a supporter thread, so keep that perspective in mind. It’s not about how labeling affects a person with PTSD, or what a sufferer is feeling. It’s about a supporting partner dealing with these behaviors and trying to make sense of them.

As a supporter, I can see how some behaviors would seem Narcissistic... PTSD can be a selfish disorder. A lot of time, everything has to be all about our partners. Their health, their needs, their feelings all seem to take precedence. There can also be lack of empathy for any of our issues, extreme reaction to criticism, and quickness to shift the blame. Sound familiar?

I don’t think this opens up the NPD can of worms though. I just think it means that sometimes our partners can be tough to live with when their PTSD is ramped up.

A lot of mental health symptoms and behaviors overlap, but having *some* of the traits doesn’t mean somebody necessarily has NPD. For example, I would venture to guess that a PTSD sufferer reacting poorly to criticism would be more related to self loathing than any kind of sense of grandiosity, or that the self centered behavior comes from self preservation mode.

^ yes. This.

 

[Kimberly Williams]

So

I think couple's therapy is spot on: you are a couple, having relationship challenges. You having ptsd is part of the challenge (not blaming you, just a reality), and then there will be others.

True

 

[Justmehere]

Then when I got home there was my proof. The first thing my spouse said "how was therapy? Did you spend the whole time talking about me? Is there anything we need to talk about?"

Ah, yeah, that's pretty narcissistic and self-absorbed to say. Yuck.