Some people may take weeks or months to recover, while others take years. How long you take will likely depend on how long you were with your abuser or what kind of relationship you had. You’ll likely take longer to recover from a narcissistic parent or a long romantic relationship than you would from a short-term relationship.

You might think things like, “Could I have done something more?” “Will I ever find love again?” or “Was it really that bad?” Over time, you’ll learn to trust yourself again, and moving on will be so much easier. Just hang in there because you are going to feel so much happier.

You might be tempted to reach out once you start missing them. Remind yourself that narcissists can’t give you the love you want because they just aren’t capable of it. [6] X Expert Source Adam Dorsay, PsyDLicensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker Expert Interview. 1 April 2019. You deserve someone who can really love and support you, so focus on the future. You may not be able to go no contact if you have children together, they’re a close family member, or you see them every day. In that case, limit your contact to only what’s necessary, such as conversations about your kids or family holidays.

You may decide that you won’t continue to talk to someone who calls you names. You might commit to saying “no” to things you don’t want to do. You could commit to not doing favors for someone who doesn’t help you.

You may even cycle through the stages of grief, which include denial, bargaining, anger, depression, and acceptance. During denial, you may struggle to accept what happened. Similarly, you may try to convince yourself you can go back to the narcissist during bargaining. When you’re recovering from narcissistic abuse, you may also experience confusion as an early stage of grief. It can be hard to make sense of what happened and to understand who you are without the narcissist in your life. These answers will come to you in time. [9] X Research source

Blaming yourself is often part of the “denial” or “guilt” phase of recovering from narcissistic abuse. It’s hard to accept that someone abused you, so you start to blame yourself, even though you’re not at fault. [11] X Research source If your parent is a narcissist, they likely didn’t intend to hurt you as much as they did. [12] X Expert Source Adam Dorsay, PsyDLicensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker Expert Interview. 1 April 2019. However, they’re still to blame for treating you so poorly and causing you pain.

Ask friends and family members you trust to be your lifeline when you need to vent or you feel tempted to reach out to the narcissist. After ending a relationship, it’s a good time to make some new friends. You might try Meetup. com or Facebook events to find people close to you who have similar interests.

Challenging negative thoughts. Focusing on the positives in your life. Changing situations that are making you unhappy. Cheering yourself on. Making a list of your strengths. Doing things you enjoy. Taking care of yourself.

Taking an art class. Running. Enrolling in college. Applying for your dream job. Re-decorating your living space. Going on a trip. Collecting something, like leaves or postcards. Getting a pet. Taking up a hobby, like drawing, baking, or upcycling.

You may have trouble expressing your emotions if your parent is a narcissist. After a lifetime of tending to their feelings, it’s hard to recognize your own. Working with a therapist can help you learn to process your emotions. [19] X Expert Source Adam Dorsay, PsyDLicensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker Expert Interview. 1 April 2019.

Even though you’re not to blame, you may be angry with yourself for not leaving sooner. Forgive yourself for needing time to recognize your power to stand up for yourself. It may also help you move on to forgive the narcissist who hurt you.

Having a narcissistic parent can actually make you more prone to seeking out narcissistic romantic partners. [22] X Expert Source Adam Dorsay, PsyDLicensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker Expert Interview. 1 April 2019. Fortunately, you can break the cycle and find healthier relationships. As hard as this experience was, it may help you build healthier, happier relationships in the future.

You can find a therapist online or through your insurance company. Your therapy sessions may be covered by insurance, so check your benefits.