Do you know someone who is always talking about how great they are? How popular and admired they are? How much better than everyone else they are? If so, then you may be dealing with a communal narcissist. This type of person is always looking for validation from others and will go to great lengths to make themselves look good in the eyes of others. In this blog post, we will discuss what communal narcissism is, and how you can identify it in yourself or others. We will also talk about ways to deal with this type of personality disorder.
Contents
Who Is Communal Narcissist?
Communal narcissism is a condition in which a person is excessively preoccupied with their own community and the status and importance of that community within society. The individual’s self-worth is largely dependent on the respect and admiration they receive from fellow group members. In other words, communal narcissists derive most of their self-esteem from being part of a prestigious social group.
While communal narcissism is similar to individual narcissism in many ways, there are some key differences. For one, communal narcissists tend to be more interpersonally sensitive and react more negatively when their group is criticized. They also report higher levels of anxiety and depression than individual narcissists. It also means that communal narcissists are less likely to exhibit the typical signs of individual narcissism, such as grandiosity and a need for admiration.
Communal narcissism can be harmful both to the individual and to the group. For individuals, it can lead to feelings of inferiority and isolation. And for groups, it can result in infighting and destructive competition among members.
Signs of Communal Narcissist
There are many signs of communal narcissistic such as:
Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety and depression are signs of communal narcissism. communal narcissists have a need to be perfect in the eyes of their group and if they are not then they experience negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. It may also mean that they have low self-esteem and do not feel good about themselves unless they are in the limelight.
Interpersonally Sensitive
Communal narcissists are very interpersonally sensitive. They react negatively when their group is criticized and take any form of disapproval as a personal attack. They also tend to be dependent on the approval of others for their self-esteem. There can also be a lot of drama within the group as communal narcissists are constantly trying to one-up each other.
Need For Admiration
Communal narcissists need admiration from their group in order to feel good about themselves. They will often seek out positions of power and prestige within the group in order to be seen as important and valuable. This can result in infighting and destructive competition among members. They may also put down other members of the group in order to make themselves feel better.
Grandiose sense of self-importance
Communal narcissists have a grandiose sense of self-importance. They believe that they are better than other people and that their community is superior to all others. This can lead to them being exclusive and elitist. They may also try to control how others see their community and are quick to judge those who do not meet their standards.
Derives self-esteem from group status
Communal narcissists derive most of their self-esteem from being part of a prestigious social group. Their sense of self-worth comes from the respect and admiration they receive from fellow group members. There may be many people who want to be in their group but only a select few who are actually accepted. This can lead to feelings of superiority and entitlement. It may also mean that they are constantly trying to prove themselves to others.
Harming Both Individual And The Group
Communal narcissism can be harmful both to the individual and to the group. For individuals, it can lead to feelings of inferiority and isolation. And for groups, it can result in infighting and destructive competition among members. The individual may also find it difficult to function outside of the group as they rely on it for their self-esteem. And the group itself may be at risk of imploding due to the narcissistic behavior of its members.
Causes of Communal Narcissist
There are many causes of a communal narcissist. Some people may become communal narcissists as a way to cope with low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy. Some of these are:
Genetics
Genetics is one of the main causes of communal narcissism. If a person has narcissistic parents then they are more likely to become communal narcissists themselves. This is because they learn early on that the only way to get approval and attention is by being in a prestigious social group.
Environment
The environment can also be a cause of communal narcissism. If a person grows up in an environment that is highly competitive or where they are constantly put down then they may become a communal narcissist as a way to cope. It may also be due to a traumatic event such as being rejected by a group they were once part of.
Trauma
Traumatic experiences can also lead to the development of communal narcissism. If a person has experienced a lot of trauma in their life then they may feel like they need the approval of others to make up for it. This can lead to them becoming communal narcissists. Trauma can also have an integral role in the development of other mental disorders which may also be a cause of communal narcissism.
Negative Impacts of Communal Narcissism
There are many negative impacts of communal narcissism. Some of these impacts are:
Relationships
Relationships are often damaged when one or more members of the community are narcissistic. Narcissists often have a need for excessive admiration and respect, which can be difficult to achieve in a group setting. As a result, they may become demanding or critical of others, putting their own needs above those of the group. This can lead to tension and conflict within the group, and can ultimately damage relationships.
Individuals
When a community is dominated by communal narcissism, the individual members of that community may suffer. They may feel as though they are not able to express themselves freely, or that their needs are always secondary to those of the group. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even anger. Additionally, individuals may find it difficult to progress or achieve their goals when the community is focused on its own needs rather than supporting each individual member.
Community
Communal narcissism can have a negative impact on the community as a whole. When the community is focused on its own needs, it may become exclusive and closed off from outside groups. This can lead to mistrust and even hostility between the community and others. Additionally, the community may miss out on valuable resources or opportunities if it is too focused on itself. It may also be difficult for the community to progress and grow if it is not willing to consider other perspectives.
Treatment of Communal Narcissism
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for communal narcissism. However, some common treatments include:
Therapy
Individual or group therapy may be helpful for communal narcissists. In therapy, they can learn how to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This can help to improve relationships within the community and prevent conflict.
Education
Educating communal narcissists about the impacts of their behavior can be helpful. It can show them how their actions are affecting themselves, others, and the community as a whole. This may lead to them changing their ways and becoming more considerate of others.
Medication
If communal narcissism is caused by a mental health condition, medication may be recommended. This can help to treat the underlying cause of narcissism and improve symptoms. These are may be helpful in managing the disorder. Some of the medications used are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Antipsychotics
How To Deal With Communal Narcissists?
There are ways to deal with communal narcissism. Some of these are:
Creating Boundaries
When you have a communal narcissist in your life, it is important to set boundaries. This means that you need to protect yourself from the person’s manipulation and abuse. You need to be firm with the individual and make it clear what behavior is acceptable and what is not. There can be no gray area with a communal narcissist.
Limiting Contact
If you are unable to set boundaries or the communal narcissist does not respect them, it might be best to limit contact. This means keeping your interactions with the person as minimal as possible. It can be hard to do, but it is necessary in order to protect yourself from harm.
Disengaging Emotionally
It is also important to disengage emotionally from the individual. This means not letting the person affect you emotionally. Do not give them power over your emotions. When you do this, it makes it easier to deal with their behavior and ultimately protects you from them. It may be difficult in the beginning, but with time it will become easier.
Documenting Behavior
Another way to deal with communal narcissism is to document the person’s behavior. This can be helpful in case you need to seek outside help. It also serves as a way to hold individuals accountable for their actions. It may also be helpful to have a support system in place that can offer you emotional support.
Communicating Effectively
In order for you to deal with a communal narcissist, you have to be able to communicate effectively. This means that you need to be clear, concise, and direct when speaking to the person. You also need to listen carefully and not allow yourself to get defensive.
Using Humor
One way of dealing with a communal narcissist is by using humor. This can help defuse some of the tension and anger that may exist between you and the person. It can also help you to maintain your sanity. This can also be helpful if you have a support system in place that can help you through this tough time. It may also have the added benefit of making the narcissist less likely to want to interact with you.
Making Impact
You can also have a positive impact on communal narcissists by being authentic and real with them. Let them know when they’re crossing boundaries or behaving in a way that’s harmful to you or others. It can be difficult to stand up to someone who has a lot of power, but it’s important to do what’s best for yourself and others. As you can see, there are many ways to deal with communal narcissism. Just remember that you’re not alone and there are people who can help support you through this situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed.
Self-Care Strategies For Communal Narcissism
Self-care is incredibly important when it comes to managing communal narcissism. There are a few things you can do on a daily basis to help keep your mental and physical health in check:
Take Sometime For Yourself
There are only so many hours in the day, and if you’re constantly giving to others without taking any time for yourself, you’ll eventually become resentful. Make sure to schedule some “me time” every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help you recharge and keep your own needs in mind. There can be a lot of pressure to always be giving to others, so it’s important to take some time for yourself.
Take Care of Yourself Physically
When we’re stressed out, our bodies take a toll. Make sure to get plenty of exercise and eat healthy foods; both will help keep your body and mind functioning at their best. If you’re not taking care of yourself physically, it will be harder to take care of yourself emotionally.
Make Time For Hobbies And Interests
It’s important to have hobbies and interests outside of helping others. This can be anything that brings you joy and allows you to relax, such as reading, painting, hiking, etc. When you have activities that are just for you, it helps take the focus off of others and puts it back on yourself. It may also help you connect with other people who share your interests.
Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If the communal narcissism in your life is becoming too much to handle on your own, or if it’s negatively impacting your mental or physical health, seek professional help. A therapist can provide guidance and support as you work through this type of situation. This may also be a good option if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck and don’t know how to manage narcissism on your own.
Practice Self-Compassion
There are times when it’s hard to be kind to ourselves, especially if we’re struggling with communal narcissism. However, it’s important to have compassion for yourself. Remember that you’re doing the best you can and give yourself some credit for that. Be gentle with yourself during tough times and don’t criticize yourself unnecessarily. It’s okay to make mistakes sometimes; everyone does. It may also help to remind yourself that you’re not alone in this.
Give Yourself Space
Especially if you’re constantly surrounded by communal narcissists, it’s important to give yourself space. This means setting boundaries and not letting others dictate how you should behave. It can be hard to do this, but it’s crucial for your own well-being. Communal narcissism can be incredibly draining, so make sure to take time for yourself and don’t feel guilty about it.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
You should also try to relax your mind and body. This can be done through various relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. When you’re relaxed, it’s easier to manage difficult emotions and situations.
Stay Connected With Others
It can be helpful to stay connected with others who understand what you’re going through. There are often support groups available for people dealing with communal narcissism or other forms of narcissism. These groups can provide a sense of community and support that can be very beneficial. You can also reach out to friends and family members for support; just make sure they are willing and able to listen without judgment.
Conclusion
Communal narcissism, like all other kinds of narcissism, is a disorder that manifests in individuals. However, it can also be seen in groups, organizations, and even whole societies. In fact, communal narcissists are often drawn to positions of power and influence within their communities.
Communal narcissists are driven by a need for recognition and approval from others. They derive satisfaction from being the center of attention and feel powerful when they can control others. They have an inflated sense of self-importance and see themselves as superior to others. When you want to deal with it, the best thing you can do is to try and understand it. Only then can you hope to change it. Contact us for more information.
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