• About
  • Contact
Newsletter
Carrie Ann Conversations
Favorite Things
  • Home
  • Living
  • Identity
  • Conversations
  • Health & Wellness
  • Favorite Things
No Result
View All Result
Carrie Ann Conversations
No Result
View All Result

Have You Lost Yourself to Emotional Manipulation?

Carrie Ann Inaba by Carrie Ann Inaba
May 11, 2022
in Identity, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Living, Uncategorized
4 min read
0
Have You Lost Yourself to Emotional Manipulation?
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

What do you do when you’ve lost yourself? When you can no longer see the end of you and the beginning of someone else? When you’ve finally seen through the fog of exhaustion and turmoil and can’t recognize who you are? You know you have to break the cycle, but you have no clue where to start. It’s an incredibly scary and isolating thought, not knowing how to  free yourself from the grip of someone you once thought you loved. However, there’s a path in front of you leading you out of the storm, and all you have to do is take the first step.

THE WARNING SIGNS

You know something is wrong. You don’t recognize the person you once used to be. It is painful to think that you’ve fallen into someone else’s trap. You question yourself, and that’s understandable. So how do you know with certainty that it was someone else chipping away at your sense of self all along?

  • You’ve lost sight of your own personal goals
  • You feel emotionally numb
  • Your partner makes you feel crazy when you try to address problems, leading you to believe the problem is your fault (otherwise known as gaslighting)
  • You have lost touch with friends and other loved ones
  • You jump to meet your partner’s needs at the expense of your own
  • You walk on eggshells around your partner, and do anything to keep the peace
  • Your partner makes you question every decision you make
  • You are highly controlling of every other aspect of your life (even other people), because you have zero control of your personal life
  • You sacrifice opportunities that would lead to your own personal or professional growth
  • You often feel guilty about anything you say or do
  • Your partner withholds affection or disappears for periods of time
  • Your partner uses passive aggressive tactics to retaliate against perceived slights
  • Your relationship progressed very quickly, and went from one extreme (such as over the top expressions of love) to the other

HOW TO HEAL

Ask for professional help

Leaving an emotionally or physically abusive relationship is hard enough, and dealing with the aftershocks can be just as difficult. These types of relationships can lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and an overall sense of fear (Psych Central). A therapist or psychiatrist can guide you through the process of recovery and provide support every step of the way.

Make a plan

Having a plan in place to handle triggers and possible unsafe situations can help to boost your sense of confidence and control over your recovery. A professional can aid in setting up a concrete plan for various problems that you may face.

Utilize your support system

It’s not uncommon for emotional or narcissistic abusers to alienate you from friends and family. In order to heal, it is important to reconnect with these people and lean on them for support (Verywellmind).

Show yourself love and prioritize self-care

Self-care and self-compassion are essential components of life in general, but particularly integral to putting the pieces of your sense of self back together. Take time to do things you love, have fun, and above all, rest.

Work diligently on your self-talk – it is NOT your fault

Emotional and narcissistic abusers are known for distorting reality, gaslighting, and eroding your self-confidence. You may have gotten into a pattern of guilt and harsh self-judgment, and it’s important to take that belief system apart. Reframing your self-talk is the first step to doing so.

Learn how to trust yourself and others again

Abusers can do a number on your radar for warning signs, which can lead to distrust of others (Cleveland Clinic). It will take time, but through therapy and educating yourself on the signs of manipulation, it is possible to trust again. Not only trust in future partners, but trust in yourself.

Finding yourself again after living in a manipulated reality is difficult, but worth the journey. Reach out, because there will be someone to grab your hand. Whether you know it or not, there are people in your life who love you and are waiting in the wings. Take that first step, and they’ll be there to pick you up until you’re strong enough to do it yourself.

Previous Post

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How I Changed My Health & My Life In One Year

Next Post

5 Fun Wellness Trends to Try Now

Carrie Ann Inaba

Carrie Ann Inaba

Carrie Ann Inaba is an Emmy Nominated host, producer, choreographer, writer and wellness advocate. She is most recognized from her work on ABC's megahit Dancing with the Stars, and for her previous work as moderator of CBS's The Talk. She was diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Sjogren's syndrome in 2013 and has since become an advocate for those living with autoimmune illnesses and for those seeking wellness, leading the the way for wellness warriors everywhere.

Next Post
5 Fun Wellness Trends to Try Now | CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

5 Fun Wellness Trends to Try Now

This page may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers or affiliate partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, which help us pay our writers and team. Thank you for your support!

FAVORITE THINGS

How to Color Your World With Scents

How to Color Your World With Scents

May 5, 2021
CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Walking and Hiking Accessories

11 Hiking Accessories to Bring On Your Next Walk

April 14, 2021
11 Small Accessories To Brighten Up Your Home Office

11 Small Accessories To Brighten Up Your Home Office

April 2, 2021
CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Valentine's Gifts Under $20

11 Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Palentine’s Gifts Under $20 To Send Love From Afar

February 8, 2021
11 Small Home Accessories To Change Your Energy

11 Small Home Accessories To Change Your Energy

February 1, 2021
CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 13 Cheap Dresses on Amazon

15 Cheap Dresses Under $40 You Can Find On Amazon

January 6, 2021

Popular

9 Products For Self Care You Can Get For Under $12

9 Products For Self Care You Can Get For Under $12

February 10, 2021
How Struggling to Find My Own Voice Afforded Me a Deep Connection to Others

How Struggling to Find My Own Voice Afforded Me a Deep Connection to Others

February 10, 2021
5 Ways to Bring Mindfulness to Your Outdoor Walks

5 Ways to Bring Mindfulness to Your Outdoor Walks

February 10, 2021
5 Ways To Stay Connected While We Stay Home During COVID-19

5 Ways To Stay Connected While We Stay Home During COVID-19

February 10, 2021
Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her 7 Favorite Candles That Will Brighten Your Day

Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her 7 Favorite Candles That Will Brighten Your Day

February 10, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT

ABOUT

Founded by Carrie Ann Inaba, Carrie Ann Conversations is a media and lifestyle brand that delivers content to inspire and educate even the beginner wellness seeker. Here, we like to talk and write about things that are interesting for anyone looking to live a life that is authentically yours.  We are not experts, but we are on the journey with you and know what the path to wellness entails. Our goal is to have open and honest dialogues that ignite our minds with exciting new possibilities. We invite you to join in on the conversation.

This website does not provide medical advice. The content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.

NAVIGATE SITE

  • Home
  • About
  • Living
  • Identity
  • Health & Wellness
  • Conversations
  • Favorite Things
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact

TRENDING STORIES

5 Fun Wellness Trends to Try Now | CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

5 Fun Wellness Trends to Try Now

May 18, 2022
Have You Lost Yourself to Emotional Manipulation?

Have You Lost Yourself to Emotional Manipulation?

May 11, 2022
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How I Changed My Life & My Health In One Year | CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How I Changed My Health & My Life In One Year

May 4, 2022
  • About
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2020. All Rights Reserved by Carrie Ann Conversations | Editor, Becca Evans

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Living
  • Identity
  • Health & Wellness
  • Conversations
  • Favorite Things
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact

© 2020. All Rights Reserved by Carrie Ann Conversations | Editor, Becca Evans