Although everyone exhibits some narcissistic traits, certain individuals exhibit these traits in excess. These individuals may have narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD. Narcissism can be damaging to families, leaving behind a trail of poor communication, unclear boundaries, and unhealthy competition. Luckily, there are steps you can take to separate yourself from a narcissist if you ever find yourself in an unsafe situation.
Only about 1% of the population is diagnosed with NPD, but some experts believe that the number of people with the disorder is closer to 15%. Although it may be hard to get an actual diagnosis, there are signs that you can look for in a narcissistic individual. Gaslighting is a common manipulation tactic, as is love-bombing. Narcissists often also engage in blame-shifting and playing the victim.
If you notice these signs in someone that you are close to, it may be time to consider putting distance between yourself and that individual. When putting together an escape plan, it is important that you only plan when the narcissist is away. As you plan, consider how you will separate your money–making a new account is a good idea–and create new contact information. You can also reach out to a family lawyer for help with complicated legal issues, such as divorce or child custody.
Throughout the separation process, make sure you are moving slowly. Over time, you will want to move money and belongings to a safe place that is unknown to the narcissist. Moving slowly also allows you time to collect evidence, whether it be diaries, witness accounts, or expert evidence.
On the day of the separation, it is important that your friends and family know your plan. You can also reach out to the authorities for extra support. It can be scary to separate from a narcissist, but also rewarding, as it allows you to reconnect with your authentic self, far away from the pressures of narcissism.
