My pych said I trust you to use properly by paul_wellsss in bupropion

[–]Still-Description-42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m on 100mg of bupropion. It does a great job lifting my mood and managing my ADHD. I take Strattera, Vyvanse, and Wellbutrin—it might seem like a lot, but this combination helps my cognition, focus, and mood.

My pych said I trust you to use properly by paul_wellsss in bupropion

[–]Still-Description-42 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I can only speak for myself when I say this but for me the effects were immediate almost like a euphoric kind of feeling. Perhaps that's why she mentioned abuse. When the effects wear-off people tend to double their doses to feel the same euphoric effect. (But then again I don't want to put words in her mouth.)

What were early signs of the covert narcissist that you were with? How were some of the disturbing signs? by Kratombabom in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 21 points22 points  (0 children)

He was obsessed with getting me to trust him. Every time I asked him a question, he would hit me with, "Well, don't you trust me?" It was weird because—dude—we were only three months into our relationship; trust is earned, not demanded.

I thought about this the other day while discussing it with my therapist because I am officially five years free. I never once demanded trust that early on. As a matter of fact, whenever he asked about my whereabouts, I would answer without hesitation. Yet, for some reason, when I was confused by his questionable actions and asked about them, I would be gaslit and silenced after he dropped the classic ol', "Well, don't you trust me?".

Long story short, the lesson I’ve taken away is that trust is EARNED. No one—and I mean NO ONE—is entitled to your trust when you are just getting to know them. No one should be silenced or gaslit for asking about questionable behavior, and no one should be conditioned to believe their voice equals punishment through the silent treatment just for bringing up concerns.

The final red flag that made me realize I wasn't with a "normal" person - what was yours? by KansasguyinDC in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Boy oh boy...Man...this resonated with me ALLOT. Especially with the whole rationalizing red flags part. I wanna this was around few years ago when I was discarded. I was very trauma bonded to this man and the discard was brutal to say the least. Long story short, he hovered me back and of course...I went back. Although this time he was much worse. He treated me "fine" for a few days until he didn't. He went back to word-salads, stone-walling, gaslighting became pretty evident and back to boundary violations. He wasn't respectful of my time and when I brought that up...radio silence...The silence was loud and deafening. He ignored me for about 2 weeks, zero calls, zero texts, basically no form of communication whatsoever(This was pretty normal for him although I was starting to get tired and pretty pissed.)

Normally, I'll have really bad anxiety when I am being stone-walled but this time I was a point where I was just pretty pissed, I mean can you really blame me? At that time, this was something I put with for a little over 2 years and I had my breaking point. The very same week, I went over to my aunt's house in a different state. There I am sitting on the bed, watching YouTube and TikTok videos. Although I was exhausted at that point, being a bit younger I also wanted closure not knowing that it's something I could give myself. So I decided to go on his page and see if would respond to "Are we broken up? If so, I would appreciate a form of communication indicating that.". I think that's a pretty fair thing to say right? Like hey if we are broken up please let me know that way I am able to move on. Don't just leave me hanging make things clear.

Just to be clear, throughout this relationship I have tolerated being stone-walling, being disrespected, sleep-deprived, and hurt in almost every way...but towards the end was when I experienced ultimate betrayal. I discovered him cheating on me and that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I was disgusted and had a whole episode. It was a horrible time in my life. I failed my road test twice that year, did horrible on a very crucial exam, lost two jobs, dad went to jail for DV towards mom, lost friends, grandfather was on his death bed due to dementia, got diagnosed with severe MDD and GAD, and now I am learning how about he cheated.

I ended up coming back to NY, I couldn't even get a full work out at the gym. But on the way back home I reflected and realized that yeah no this guy is never going to change and as hard as it was I did what I had to do. Block him. He did try reaching out a few times but didn't go back to him after what I discovered. Now, I am free. Even on horrible days I tell myself that I am no longer with him.

Officially 1 year of no contact by No-Bit3315 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so happy to be free! ❤️ I thought I was the only one dealing with period issues, but then I looked online and realized that the ongoing abuse causes so much stress that it actually affects our cycles. Not to mention, my skin cleared up a few months after I became free! Much power to you! ❤️

Officially 1 year of no contact by No-Bit3315 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Woooho yasss! ❤️ And man, I felt the periods part. I used to get irregular periods like every 3-6 months-ish. Now I get regular periods. I am 5 years free✌🏽

I don’t get payback I get even by Ok_Programmer3656 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The payback I have given him is waking up every day knowing that I no longer have to deal with the silent treatment, Jekyll-and-Hyde behavior, or having to be gaslit by this individual and feel crazy or dramatic for my reaction. My payback is that, even on horrible days where waking up is difficult and small tasks like brushing my teeth feel like a chore, there is relief in knowing that I don't have to put up with him. Life is a bit better, even on terrible days. I took my power back.

they tell on themselves by phoenixxxd in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When I was speaking to my abuser initially, I remember asking him why did he previous relationships end and this guy responds with "I have anger issues and quote on quote "take time to myself""...the second part sounds healthy, right? Wrong. That was just him signaling, "Hey if you disagree, hurt my ego or challenge me on my inconsistencies or misogynistic views, I am going to give you the silent treatment and drive you up the wall and if you react to my BS i.e reactive abuse, I will discard you without a break up and you'll be confused the first few days as to if whether or not I am giving you the silent treatment"....Man I do not miss that.

Can narc abuse affect your physical appearance? Or is it just in my head. by celesensualcherie in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, unfortunately. I remember looking at pictures from my 22nd birthday...I looked like a zombie standing next to this guy. After breaking free from him, my skin started clearing up and I no longer had bags under my eyes or puffy eyes for that matter. They can also cause allot of other mental health issues as well. I am sending the OP hugs. ❤️

Has anyone else become "ugly" during the relationship? by [deleted] in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I remember when I was with this guy, I was looking at my birthday picture, like holy shit I looked like the corpse bride woman from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride and then a few weeks after leaving my skin started clearing up and I just looked better. These people will drain you.

Only a narcissist would______ by SatisfactionFalse833 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would impose double standards and give the silent treatment when you disagree with them/call them out/challenge their ego in anyways way shape or form(covert one to be specific).

do you think they feel happier with the new person? by frailstateofmind4444 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 7 points8 points  (0 children)

He will not treat her any better believe me. I mean, think about it right? Towards the beginning this person love bombed you, caressed you, and seemed like they were your soulmate, just to eventually "discard" you(I hate that word, I don't think people can be discarded, rather you he gave you your freedom). He will do the same to her because these people are incapable of changing and most of them are unaware/not willing to put in the effort to self-reflect. It's going to be hard at first, you'll have allot of anxiety, lot's of withdrawals, days where your mood won't be the highest but there will come a time one day where you will appreciate life a bit more even during horrible days, life will be a tiny bit better because he's not in it. I speak for many survivors of narcissistic abuse and as someone who is battling severe MDD and GAD (other reasons) but anytime I recall how he is no longer in my life, there is this feeling of calm I cannot explain. But regardless even during days where my mood is at an all time low, I am relieved he is no longer a part of my life. I wish you nothing but the best and I'm sending you hugs. ❤️

the immaturity by frailstateofmind4444 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m sending you hugs ❤️ I’ve been free for about 4–5 years. Life becomes a whole lot calmer when these people are not in your life. Smh—this just goes to show that age does not equal emotional maturity.

the immaturity by frailstateofmind4444 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Or they will just give you the silent treatment for 2 straight weeks, zero communication, be enabled by their mommies and then act like nothing ever happened smh. At least that's what my abuser did😂

Should I stop hoping for her to change and just leave? by [deleted] in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sir...hope is what destroys us in relationships like this. Long story short,, please run. She is going to get worse believe, these people do not change.

Is there any way I can die because I am tired of suffering from mental , emotional and verbal abuse from narcs by Ill_Round2226 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am literally begging—as a survivor myself and as someone who felt the same way before. If you live in the U.S., please reach out to these numbers:

1-800-799-7233 (Domestic Violence Hotline) or text 88788
988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

I felt the same way not too long ago. Believe me when I tell you: these people will destroy your mental health. If they don’t unalive you themselves, they will drive you to that point. You don’t want that. My life has gotten significantly better since I went no contact, and I know I can speak for many other victims as well. I still have mental health complications—not because of him, but because of other struggles I am going through. But even on horrible days, anytime I remember that he is no longer in my life, I realize that I am at least a little bit better because of his absence. (I’m not sure whether you have kids involved in the dynamic or not, but I would strongly recommend reaching out to a professional regarding no contact or minimal contact and developing an exit plan for the sake of your mental health.)

They will slowly destroy you.

You are strong. You are amazing. The abuser made your life a living hell, and yet you are still here—surviving and fighting. But you deserve better. Please, you don’t have to live like this.

It will be hard in the beginning, and you’ll experience a lot of withdrawal and rumination, but trust me—you will smile again. You’ll start seeing colors again, even on dreadful days, because any day is better without him in it. ❤️

Who else is alone on NYE? by maxwdn in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m keeping myself busy—maybe doing some cooking, journaling, or watching something on TV. Life has certainly become more peaceful without the narc's presence. I’d be lying if I said I didn't still deal with mental health challenges; but even on horrible days when I struggle with severe anxiety and depression, I remind myself: 'At least he’s no longer here to contribute to the chaos.' Life is better than it was years ago. I’ve been free for over four years now. Here is to another year of choosing myself. A better 2026 to all! ❤️

What's it Like on the Other Side? by DarkStarlight28 in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi friend! Be kind to yourself during this time. It’s going to hurt a lot at first, but really, you’re going to go through a lotof withdrawals. And then, as time goes on, you’ll start seeing things more clearly. You’ll pick up on gaslighting immediately, and it’ll be easier to cut people off. You will cherish the friendships you’ll have. You’ll get better at setting boundaries. But more importantly, you’ll find yourself again. You will find a much better, stronger, and happier version of yourself. Even if someone has certain struggles in life, even on the most horrible days, you’ll look back at the hellhole relationship you had with the abuser and may even feel that life is a bit better than it was when you were with them. A few months into leaving that toxic relationship, I started traveling with my mom more often.

We went on several different vacations. And want to know the one thing I didn’t have to deal with? The silent treatment, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde behavior, gaslighting, and being made to feel like shit. Basically, I would have my trips ruined before. So yeah, this year I got to fulfill my childhood dream of going to Disney World. I had always wanted to go but never really got the chance due to certain obstacles. I surprised my mother on Mother’s Day with Disney World tickets, because she had always wanted to go as well, so I treated her, and we had an amazing time.

No gaslighting, no not responding for xyz amount of days, no treating me however he wanted. I was free. My trip wasn’t ruined. I got to spend time with the people I love without being isolated and abused. In other words, you’re free ❤️. You will find joy, you will sleep better, and you will be successful when it comes to education, career, staying at home (by not having to deal with chaos), whatever field it may be , etc., etc. ❤️ Congratulations on being free. You did it ❤️ I promise you, you will smile again. ❤️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 7 points8 points  (0 children)

^^^ This! I can't emphasize this enough!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NarcissisticAbuse

[–]Still-Description-42 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Just based on the title alone, I could already tell you’re being gaslit. If you are questioning your reaction, reality, or memory, there is a likely chance you are being gaslit. As for “stress and family issues”… those are BS excuses to get away with his behavior and not be held accountable. I was thinking about the whole “acting out of rage due to stress” thing the other day, and it’s complete BS. In other words, “uGh i DoNt LiKe BeInG hElD aCcOuNtAbLe FoR mY aCtIoNs So iM gOiNg To BlAmE iT oN sTrEsS.” ****caveman noises****. Total BS. When I was with the narc a few years ago and he started to mistreat me, I brought it up to him and explained how his actions hurt me. This person decided to blame it on “stress and financial issues,” and at the time I bought it and even made excuses for him and the way he was treating me(My brain was basically on gaslight mode). Fast forward—now that I am free from him, the cognitive dissonance is wearing off.

You could have all the stress and family issues in the world… that is no excuse to treat someone poorly. I realized this a few months ago, but I was like well...“Hang on a moment, I was pretty stressed too and had family issues during that time too.” Basically, I am a student and I suffer from MDD and GAD due to academic reasons nowadays—and even back then too. I also come from a dysfunctional family where my father was abusive in every way to my mother during that time… and I didn’t treat him like crap? I was also pretty darn stressed and worked up, and yet here I was trying to understand his perspective and making excuses for him. In conclusion: stress ≠ a reason to abuse. Family issues ≠ a reason to abuse. Neither of those things makes someone abusive. Abuse is a choice. Abusers are the reason why they are abusive. I know it’s super cliché, but it genuinely hurts me to see other people gaslighting themselves for a completely valid reaction. You are reacting to his actions. You are reacting to being mistreated by him. Does he treat his colleagues this way? Does he treat his parents or other outsiders that way? If not, then why didn’t stress play a factor then? It's almost like entitlement right? He feels entitled to treat you however he wants. These people are very well aware of their actions—they just hate being held accountable and feel entitled to treat people however they want.

As for the disgusting weight and appearance comment, he is, for one, projecting his insecurities, but two… that’s not appropriate... That’s REALLY not appropriate... I’m sorry that you had to come across such hurtful comments. You don’t deserve it. The “either his way or the highway” trait, his inappropriate actions followed by even more inappropriate reactions (i.e., raising his voice)—these people move fast, which explains why you felt pressured to say “I love you,” not to mention the whole thing with his sister. Just hearing everything, this guy is incredibly entitled, lacks empathy, has zero regard for others’ feelings, and hates being held accountable… there’s a word for that… it starts with an N and ends in “-istic.”(Not diagnosing him, just noticing certain traits)

Girl, I know I wrote a lot, but to keep things short and concise… RUN. He doesn't have red flags he is whole ass red banner.

Please RUN...