In the beginning of a relationship with a narcissist, you feel completely enamored with them.
They flatter and compliment you immensely.
Cognitive Dissonance:Nitpicking, micro-betrayals, and toxic love triangles followed by gaslighting breeds self-doubt.
Devaluation:Hypercriticism and isolation paired with hurt-and-rescue methods strengthens the trauma bond.
This is the stage of the trauma bond that can be especially excruciating for survivors to endure.
Identity erosion:Distortion and enmeshment with the abuser makes you lose a sense of self.
They present you with a false image of your identity that you begin to internalize.
You become enmeshed with the identity and beliefs of the abuser while foregoing facets of your own identity.
Instead of nourishment, they give you more punishment.
This is usually the final stage of trauma bonding before steps are made toward healing.
You may even defend or protect the abuser to loved ones who express concern for your well-being.
You battle learned hopelessness and helplessness.
On the contrary, this is a relationship sustained by trauma and mistreatment.
You deserve to heal and free yourself.
