Narcissistic Abuse Survivors: We Escaped and Here's How || Ep. 3

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Detailed discussion of narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, smear campaigns, and emotional trauma.

What's it actually like to escape a narcissistic parent or spouse? How do you heal? How do you rebuild your life?

Michael (narcissistic father, 8 years into healing) and Lisa (narcissistic marriage, 3 years post-divorce) share their powerful stories of recognition, escape, and recovery.

SURVIVOR STORIES SHARED:
✅ How they first recognized the abuse
✅ The gaslighting that made them doubt reality
✅ "Waking up" moments that changed everything
✅ Smear campaigns and isolation tactics
✅ The public vs private persona
✅ Impact on identity and self-worth
✅ The escape process (divorce, going low contact)
✅ Healing journeys and therapy
✅ Dating after narcissistic abuse
✅ Messages of hope for current victims

Breakdown:
0:00 - Meet Michael & Lisa
0:50 - When Did You First Realize It Was Abuse?
2:35 - The Gaslighting That Made You Feel Crazy
4:45 - Your "Wake Up" Moment
6:55 - The Smear Campaign Experience
9:05 - Public Charm vs Private Cruelty
11:00 - How It Destroyed Your Sense of Self
12:50 - The Escape: Divorce & Going Low Contact
14:25 - Healing Journey: What Actually Helped
15:30 - Will You Ever Trust Again?
15:55 - Advice for People Still Trapped
16:05 - Final Message of Hope
WHAT THEY DISCUSS:
• Recording conversations to prove reality
• Being accused of being "crazy" or "dramatic"
• The relief and terror of leaving
• Rebuilding identity from scratch
• Learning what healthy love looks like
• Protecting children from narcissistic parents
• The grief of the relationship you never had

HEALING TOOLS THAT WORKED:
• Trauma-informed therapy (EMDR, CBT)
• Support groups for narcissistic abuse survivors
• Gray Rock method for unavoidable contact
• Documenting patterns for reality checking
• Building new support systems
• Reparenting and self-compassion work
• Setting and maintaining boundaries

🆘 IF YOU'RE IN A NARCISSISTIC RELATIONSHIP:
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Legal Aid: Contact local family law services

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
• r/raisedbynarcissists
• Out of the FOG support
• "Will I Ever Be Good Enough?" by Dr. Karyl McBride
• Psychology Today therapist finder
• EMDR Therapy Locator

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Trust your gut - if you feel crazy, there's a reason
• Document everything for reality checking
• You can't make them understand
• Going no contact is self-preservation, not cruelty
• Healing takes time but is absolutely possible
• You deserve relationships without walking on eggshells



#NarcissisticAbuse #SurvivorStory #NarcissisticParent #NarcissisticMarriage #Gaslighting #NoContact #HealingJourney #ToxicFamily #EmotionalAbuse #TraumaRecovery #BigFeelingsLab



You're not alone. Your reality is valid. Healing is possible. 💙