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Acute Stress Response to Narcissistic Abuse Damages Mind and Body

Acute Stress Response to Narcissistic Abuse Damages Mind and Body

Written by Randi Fine, Narcissistic Abuse Expert

Narcissistic Abuse Awareness and Guidance with Randi Fine

It is common knowledge that narcissistic emotional abuse causes stress. We have all experienced, while in the presence of our abusers, the acute stress response that drastically alters our mental functioning. But many do not realize how detrimental it is to our entire well-being.

According to Sissela Bok, author of Lying in Private and Public Life, when the brain functions normally, the central nervous system predicts ahead and mobilizes appropriate action. Our sensations, physical actions, and emotions are guided by rationality. When it is stressed or traumatized, the physiological and emotional shock ambushes our executive functionality. As a result:

  1. Our expressive speech fails

  2. Our concentration diminishes

  3. Our memory is impaired

  4. We become hyper-vigilant

  5. We experience feelings of helplessness, depression and anxiety.