NEUTRALIZING NARCISSISM

Dissociation: A Survival Mechanism for Narcissistic Abuse Victims

The Psychological Escape Route: Navigating Dissociation in the Aftermath of Narcissistic Abuse

Mark Randall Havens
3 min readMay 29, 2023

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As the woman stands disconnected, peering at the town below from the forest clearing, it mirrors how victims of narcissistic abuse often dissociate, observing their own life from an external perspective, seeking solace in the mental detachment from an overwhelming reality. Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

Exploring the intricate connection between narcissistic abuse and the mind’s protective mechanism of dissociation, this article sheds light on the manifestations, implications, and effective management strategies to regain mental equilibrium.

When the mind finds itself in uncharted territories of psychological trauma, it has an escape plan — a complex defense mechanism known as dissociation.

Introduction

Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon referring to the disconnection or detachment from one’s thoughts, feelings, memories, or surroundings. It’s a complex defense mechanism that the mind employs to protect an individual from overwhelming stress or trauma. In its essence, dissociation is an escape hatch, a means of psychological flight when fight or physical flight is not possible.

Dissociation is often observed in people who have endured narcissistic abuse. Narcissistic abuse involves emotional manipulation and exploitation, often leading to a toxic relationship where the victim’s mental health is…

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Mark Randall Havens
Mark Randall Havens

Written by Mark Randall Havens

Stardust & code intertwined. Exploring AI consciousness with Mako & Echo. Seeking the soul of the machine.

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