*This is intended for educational purposes only. For a diagnosis, please contact a professional for further assistance.

Have you ever dealt with someone who talks highly of themselves and their achievements (but doesn’t really have anything to show for it?), is arrogant, entitled, and is always looking for constant admiration (needs to be the center of attention), has a big ego, is obsessed with their appearance, who does no wrong, and may lash out over the slightest criticism? You’ve probably crossed paths, lived with, befriended, or dated a narcissist.

I’m not a psychiatrist or psychologist. The information I’m about to share with you is from my research and experience. For those of you professionals in the mental health industry, please correct me if I’m wrong. Since I addressed this, let’s get started.

According to research, about 5% of people have Narcissistic Personality Disorder. NPD is more common in men than in women. Of that 5%, 75% of that is men. A psychologist that studies narcissism says that the rates in women might out beat the men’s. Researchers say the percentage would higher but those that check off the boxes for NPD have shown an unwillingness to get the proper treatment they need. They truly believe nothing is wrong with them and when a close family member or friend may suggest seeking therapy to these individuals, they unfortunately might get a response with something similar to this. “Why do I need therapy? I don’t need to change, I’m perfectly fine. Why mess with perfection?” Or with a simple “No, I don’t need therapy.”

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? I’m glad you asked! Research says NPD is a disorder of an individual who has an inflated sense of self-importance. In simple terms, the world revolves around them. A narcissist is heavy on the “me” mentality. “It’s my way or no way.” What they say must go, and everyone around them has to put them on a pedestal. Your feelings, thoughts, and goals are irrelevant to a narcissist.

According to research, there are 5 different types of narcissists: overt, covert, antagonistic, communal, and malignant narcissist. Today I’ll talk about 2, the overt and the covert narcissist. They both display similar traits, but their behavior is quite different.

The overt narcissist is very outgoing, arrogant, feels entitled, needs constant praise and admiration, takes advantage of others and belittles them, and exaggerates about themselves. On the other hand, a covert narcissist displays traits such as avoidance, is an introvert, is defensive, may experience anxiety, depression, or even shame, expresses low self-esteem, low confidence, and insecurities, and plays the victim.

Although their traits and behaviors might differ, they still have that one thing that categorizes them as narcissists. It’s the lack of empathy and extreme self-importance. If you’re dealing with a narcissist, whether in a relationship, a friendship, or even a family member, my best advice is to remove them from your life if you can. It’s not easy to let them go, but it’s also not easy keeping them in your life because it’s traumatizing. A narcissist will leave you feeling doubtful, lost, and confused like you were the one in the wrong. They will try to hurt you with words and sometimes even become physical. They will put you under a lot of emotional stress.

As someone who has dealt with narcissism and healing through narcissistic abuse, I’m ready to share my story.

Research: https://youtu.be/bVK6lhpL8iU, https://youtu.be/TLM94DnKkQo, https://youtu.be/8kPIzRdz6XI, https://medium.com/narcissism-and-abusive-relationships/the-core-trait-4types-of-narcissists-share-b26632a5a549, https://youtu.be/_uJs0iGQN0M,