Narcissism is a word that may be thrown around lightly to explain somebody that is absorbed with themselves or their own needs. Some people have this personality trait more than others, and if you identify with this it does not mean that you should be concerned. It is when these narcissistic qualities are so persistent in day-to-day life that they affect other aspects of life – such as emotions, work and relationships – that this can become a greater cause for concern.
You may have been diagnosed or may identify with some of the characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which is an extreme version of the set narcissist traits. Some key identifiers for this disorder include:
The first step is being able to identify that your behaviour is starting to affect your life and relationships. Although everyone can identify with these traits in one way or another, if you relate to a number of these and they are starting to cause a negative impact on your life or the life of those around you – it may be beneficial to have an open mind and seek some help to manage it.
A psychologist can help by: