In a heartfelt video, a victim of narcissistic abuse shares her story of enduring 24 years of emotional and mental torment from her husband. She explains how, despite being emotionally neglected and starved, she didn’t realize she was a victim of emotional abuse until she had fully severed ties with him and started therapy. It was only through her therapist’s feedback that she began to understand the extent of her abuse, and how deeply manipulation had kept her trapped in a toxic cycle.
The abuse survivor explains that her sense of optimism and desire to fix things made her believe she could repair her marriage, despite her husband’s narcissistic tendencies. The turning point came after the loss of her father, which prompted her to reflect on the brevity of life and realize she could no longer tolerate being smothered by someone who dismissed and devalued her.
After leaving her husband, she still faced harassment and manipulation through phone calls and texts, but with the support of her therapist and loved ones, she was able to sever all communication and go ‘no contact’. The relief she felt after cutting ties was immense, and she described how her mental and physical health improved drastically as a result.
In sharing her story, the victim hopes to raise awareness about the devastating effects of emotional abuse, especially in relationships with narcissists. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help, speaking up, and leaning on those who care for support. She acknowledges that healing takes time, as victims need to “reprogram” their minds and undo the damage inflicted by years of manipulation, but with the right support, recovery is possible.
Featured image: Narcissistic abuse survivor. Source: YouTube screenshot / Narcissists Schmarcissists.