Issues

Narcissism

The Greek god Narcissus was known for his beauty. He was so enamored of his own appearance that he spent much of his life gazing at his visage in a pool of water. He was contemptuous of those who loved him, causing some to end their own lives in an attempt to prove their devotion. His story is a cautionary tale about the catastrophic effects of excessive self-love. People with narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder display traits similar to those of Narcissus. Narcissism is excessive self-involvement that causes a person to ignore the needs of others. Almost everyone occasionally engages in narcissistic behavior. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have personalities characterized by intense self-involvement and chronic disregard for others. People with NPD rarely seek therapy. This is because people with NPD may neither notice nor care about the effects of their narcissism on others. The right therapist, however, can help people with NPD understand the harmful effects of narcissism, including to themselves. Therapy can help a person with NPD understand and prioritize the needs of others, repair broken relationships, and cultivate empathy.   Read more at GoodTherapy.org