The Affects of Narcissistic Abuse on Our Body
Narcissistic abuse inflicts deep emotional and psychological wounds, affecting not just our emotions but also our physical health, particularly our nervous system. The chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma inflicted by narcissistic abusers can dysregulate our nervous system, impacting our daily lives in significant ways. Yet, as Catholics, we hold firm to the belief that Jesus Christ offers hope and healing, even in the darkest of times. In this blog post, we'll explore how the Catholic faith provides solace, restoration, and practical strategies for overcoming the effects of narcissistic abuse, drawing strength from Scripture and the love of God.
Understanding Narcissistic Abuse:
Narcissistic abuse is characterized by manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional exploitation inflicted by individuals with narcissistic traits or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Survivors often experience chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma, which can profoundly affect their nervous system and daily functioning.
The Impact on the Nervous System
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating our body's response to stress and maintaining overall balance. When subjected to narcissistic abuse, the constant stress and emotional turmoil can disrupt the functioning of the nervous system, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms.
Some common effects of narcissistic abuse on the nervous system include:
Hypervigilance: Constantly being on high alert, anticipating the next abusive episode.
Anxiety: Feeling anxious, restless, and unable to relax due to the ongoing emotional abuse.
Depression: The persistent emotional manipulation and invalidation can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to the heightened stress levels.
PTSD-like symptoms: Narcissistic abuse can create symptoms similar to those experienced by individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Physical pains & illnesses: stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and leave to a plethora of strange physical illnesses such as chronic back pain, heart pain, weak immune system.
But wait, do not lose hope! Coming from one survivor to another, there is hope and healing in Jesus Christ and he can HEAL US!
How Jesus can Heal Us
Seeking Professional Help: Like the compassionate healings performed by Jesus during His earthly ministry, seeking therapy or counseling is a crucial step in healing from narcissistic abuse. Therapists can provide techniques to regulate the nervous system, mirroring Jesus' care for the broken-hearted and crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
Turning to Scripture: The Bible offers a wellspring of comfort and encouragement for those enduring suffering. Psalm 23 assures us that even in our darkest moments, God is our shepherd, guiding and comforting us through the valleys of life. By meditating on Scripture, we can find strength and resilience (Psalm 23:1-4).
Prayer and Surrender: Prayer is a powerful means of entrusting our burdens to God, finding rest for our weary souls (Matthew 11:28). Jesus invites us to cast our anxieties upon Him, promising peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Through prayer, we surrender our pain, trusting in God's unwavering love and care.
Forgiveness and Letting Go: Forgiveness is central to the Christian faith, offering liberation from bitterness and resentment (Ephesians 4:31-32). Jesus teaches us to forgive as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:14-15). By extending forgiveness to our abusers, we release ourselves from the chains of anger, finding freedom and healing in Christ.
Community Support: The Catholic Church provides a community of faith and support where survivors can find solidarity and compassion (Hebrews 10:24-25). By connecting with fellow believers, we can find strength and encouragement to navigate the challenges of healing from narcissistic abuse.
Embrace the Sacraments: The sacraments, such as confession and the Eucharist, offer spiritual nourishment and grace. Participating in these sacraments can bring comfort, healing, and a sense of renewal.
Conclusion
Narcissistic abuse leaves deep scars, affecting our nervous system and daily lives. However, through the transformative power of Jesus Christ and the support of our Catholic faith community, we can find hope, healing, and restoration. By seeking professional help, turning to Scripture, prayer, forgiveness, and finding support in community, survivors can overcome the effects of narcissistic abuse and experience the abundant life that Jesus promises to all who believe. With faith and perseverance, we can reclaim our lives, finding joy, peace, and fulfillment in Christ.
