Rage is especially typical with vindictive narcissists. In the narcissist’s mind, it is easier to be angry than deal with the uncomfortable emotions of embarrassment, rejection, or shame.

Rage outbursts are commonly seen during a narcissistic collapse episode. A narcissist will lash out at you in any way they can or hurt themselves to cope with the shame. Narcissistic breakdown symptoms can include rage, impulsive behaviors, or other ways of showcasing intense mental suffering. Mental BreakdownsĪ narcissist may have a breakdown if their supply is cut off and they feel vulnerable, embarrassed, or out of control. When a narcissistic collapse occurs, they use this tactic to hurt the person questioning them. A narcissist may gaslight others when they feel threatened to divert attention from their shortcomings. Narcissistic gaslighting is a narcissistic manipulation tactic used to distort a person’s reality or memory. The narcissist’s access to supply dwindles during a narcissistic collapse, contributing to these low moods. Narcissists frequently have trouble regulating their emotions, which can cause depressive episodes when they cannot cope with a challenge to their self-worth. Depressionĭepression and narcissism often go hand-in-hand. Impulsive behaviors, such as unprotected sex, gambling, or excessive spending, help them counteract challenges to their ego. 4 When a narcissist’s overinflated confidence is injured, they may ignore advice and make impulsive decisions to show they are always right. Impulsivity is a trademark characteristic of narcissism. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the early signs of narcissistic collapse so you can approach the situation appropriately.īelow are 11 signs of narcissistic collapse: 1. However, when a collapse does occur, it can seemingly come at a moment’s notice and even a slight infraction may trigger it. Not every narcissist will experience narcissistic collapse or cope with a damaged ego the same. For instance, a friend taking too long to respond to a text or not receiving a promised raise at work can trigger the narcissist. These “threats” can stem from mild inconveniences to severe disturbances, making it hard to know exactly what can set the narcissist off. Narcissistic collapse may be caused by a threat to a narcissist’s perception of themselves or others. When the supply is jeopardized, the narcissist can become unhinged.

This supply consists of any source of validation, attention, or admiration. Research suggests that people with NPD rely on narcissistic supply to ensure their needs are met and their superior image is upheld. An overt narcissist may explode in a narcissistic rage outburst and engage in a more outward expression of collapse. They tend to be conniving, manipulative, and accusatory. Conversely, covert narcissists, or vulnerable narcissists, are more insecure and will often avoid confrontation.Ĭovert narcissists will come across as passive-aggressive and use the silent treatment or sarcastic comments when they experience narcissistic collapse. They typically come across as overly confident and self-important. Overt narcissists, or grandiose narcissists, tend to be extroverted and present with high self-esteem. Instead of reflecting on what happened or trying to address the conflict appropriately, they can become hysterical, volatile, or rageful toward themselves or those around them. 3įor example, if a spouse leaves them or a boss fires them, it disrupts the narcissist’s entire status quo. 2 Because narcissists are so insecure, they often feel empty and hollow–they need admiration from others to feel validated. However, some researchers and psychologists argue that collapse essentially disarms the false self associated with narcissism. Narcissistic collapse isn’t an official psychiatric term and hasn’t been extensively studied. If their behavior is called out or challenged, their fragile self-esteem is damaged, resulting in intense reactions and abuse toward others. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often look down on others to maintain the positive images they hold about themselves. A narcissistic collapse happens when a narcissist believes that someone (or something) is threatening their ability to maintain their superficial inflated ego.

Narcissist losing control