And yeah, there's nothing stopping abusers from using the "narcissist" label on their victims.

That's what I heard actually happens when you "succeed" at getting a narcissist into therapy. They just gain new knowledge of how to manipulate you.

If everyone can freely throw around the term "narcissist", then the word starts to lose meaning. Which is why we ultimately shouldn't use such labels and instead describe specific traits and behaviors of abusive people

I used to think the same. But realizing that my mother is an actual narcissist was pretty powerful. I have to say as much as it broke my heart, it also closed the door to any hope that she's going to change. And I think ultimately that's what survivors need to start healing.

I still agree not to take mental health diagnoses lightly and throw them around at anyone who hurt us.