Like many other mental health conditions, it is difficult to tell whether an individual is a narcissist. However, it only takes one move or word to trigger them. Dr. Tim Fletcher talks about why narcissists behave the way they do when they are triggered or feel attacked.
Dr. Tim Fletcher is the founder of Tim Fletcher Co., an organization that offers support and resources to individuals healing from addictions, trauma, and relational or spiritual struggles. The organization’s mission is to cultivate safe and nurturing environments that embrace the multifaceted nature of healing.
“Narcissists can act very healthy until they’re triggered, and it’s those triggers that reveal their true colors.”
When a narcissist is triggered, they react through what is referred to as narcissistic rage. This rage is triggered when the narcissist’s sense of self-importance is challenged. This can be in the form of loss of control, criticism, and even a minor setback in their plans. When things do not go as planned, a narcissist unleashes their rage and will harm anyone on their path.
Narcissistic rage can be defined as sudden and unexpected bursts of anger, violence, and aggression toward anyone the narcissist feels deserves it. This is often a defense mechanism and a narcissist’s way of regaining control of the situation by making the people on the receiving end pay.
You can expect the narcissist to become psychologically, verbally, emotionally, and even physically abusive when in a fit of rage.
“If they don’t get what they want or get triggered, usually they go to anger, and then they get cruel, abusive, they lash out, they say extremely hurtful things, and they can be very destructive.”
The worst thing about dealing with a narcissist is that they believe their actions are justified. Therefore, they go about causing destruction without an ounce of remorse or regret. Therefore, it is difficult or near impossible for a narcissist to take responsibility for their negative actions.
“Narcissists are all about manipulating you to meet their needs. Narcissists don’t know how to love people. They just know how to use people.”
Narcissists are not wired the same as neuro-typical individuals. They do not know how to love. While they may think they love you, the kind of love they feel is transactional. For a narcissist to ‘love’ you, you have to be of benefit to them.
Understanding how a narcissist’s mind works is the first step towards setting yourself free and protecting yourself from narcissistic abuse. Mensgroup is an online support forum for men where men come together to discuss different issues affecting men, including dealing with narcissists. If you are a man looking for information about narcissism or support to overcome narcissistic abuse, mensgroup is the group for you.
