There are a lot of labels these days. I don’t disagree with labels. It is a way to identify weaknesses and behaviors that need an explanation. It just helps us to process.

I have been reading about the various types of narcissism and with it, those who have been hurt by it. I came across this and thought it was worth posting, simply because narcissism can make the recipient feel like they are crazy. The manipulation, gaslighting, and lies that are told is vicious.

Hope this helps.

Most people know PTSD as something that comes from one traumatic event—war, assault, accident. CPTSD is different. CPTSD comes from long-term exposure to emotional, psychological, and spiritual trauma. And narcissistic abuse is one of the clearest pathways to it.

PTSD says: “That event hurt me.”

CPTSD says: “That environment rewired me.”

Here’s how it shows up:

1. You Don’t Feel Safe Being Yourself

You’re hyper-aware of tone, mood, facial expressions.

You learned that authenticity = punishment.

So you shrink, perform, or mask to survive.

2. Your Nervous System Is Always On Edge

You’re either anxious, shut down, or angry. Rarely calm.

Your body learned chaos as “normal.” Peace feels unfamiliar… even threatening.

3. You Doubt Your Own Reality

Gaslighting trained you to question your memory, motives, and instincts.

You over-explain.

Over-justify.

Over-apologize.

Not because you’re weak—but because you were trained to mistrust yourself.

(author unknown)