Is high self-esteem narcissism? Myths about narcissistic personality disorder.

How often do you run into all the possible negative videos and articles about narcissists? “Narcissistic Abuse, Narcissistic Partner, etc.” But is it as bad as social media screams about it? So much negativity has been sprinkled towards people with this disorder! It's time to refute such rants.

I'll dispel 4 of the most popular myths about them.

Myth: Narcissists have high self-esteem and never doubt themselves.

Their “high self-esteem” is a kind of defense mechanism, which they show in order not to be unrecognized and rejected. In reality, people with narcissistic disorder have low self-esteem. Their desire to prove themselves through self-praise, putting themselves on display, and trying to be better than everyone else is a sign of this. A healthy person with “high” self-esteem will not go out of their way to show how perfect they are. Plus, they have very fragile egos. They may not show it to you directly, but other people's words can easily hurt them!

Myth: It is impossible to build close relationships with people who have this diagnosis. They only care about themselves and their achievements.

It's worth remembering that the disorder can be expressed in different ways: clearly or not at all. Despite the defence mechanism of self-centeredness, they can show care and love to others. Yes, because of problems with emotional empathy, it may be more difficult for them to express compassion and show it, but they are capable of love.

Myth: they don't have empathy!

Yes, they have problems with emotional empathy, but not cognitive empathy. It is worth remembering that empathy has three main types:

• Emotional empathy is when a person projects onto themselves what has happened to another person. You could say they completely take on all the feelings, and as I know, it's more about compassion.
• Cognitive empathy is understanding the feelings of the opponent through analysis, and comparisons. That is when it is perceived more with the help of logic or something.
• Predictive empathy is when the ability to anticipate the behaviour, thoughts, etc. of others.

Often people with this disorder are good manipulators and are very good at getting what they want, and this is where you need some empathy.

Myth: a person with NPD will never admit when they are wrong.

There is no doubt that criticism is the worst thing you can say to such a person. but this does not mean that they completely deny their fault in something. they are afraid to make a mistake and are more afraid that others will not notice, because in this case they will be humiliated. it is difficult for a person with npd to apologize and admit their mistake. especially if they go to a specialist.

Myth: A person with NPD does not suffer from depression.

A narcissist may suffer from underlying depression and chronic insecurity, despite an outward image of being self-sufficient and confident. Their behavior is often a way of coping with inner emptiness and dissatisfaction. Their real self-esteem can be extremely low, and outward glitter is only a defense against inner pain. And, by the way, most of them actually have depression!

Myth: Narcissistic personality disorder is a rare disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is one of the most common personality disorders. Its symptoms can manifest in different forms and degrees. Not all people with NPL receive an official diagnosis, and many exhibit traits of the disorder in their lives, making it more common than commonly believed.

So it's worth checking before believing “psychologists” and similar specialists on the internet. Not all of them are telling the truth.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a complex and multilayered phenomenon that cannot be reduced only to myths of “high self-esteem.” This disorder requires careful diagnosis and professional help. It is important to understand that aggressive or narcissistic behaviour often hides deeply insecure and vulnerable personalities