Do I have a narcissistic disorder?
I am 44 and have noticed the last several years that I seem to lack compassion. I try to not to show it but I feel that it is missing.
I think it is due to my extreme abhorance to drama. When I was growing up my mother was an extreme narccisist that did anything she could for attention. She would feign illness and demand to be taken to the hospital, throw tantrums, spread rumors...if she did not get the attention she wanted she would go to bed for days, etc. She would make others miserable in order to make herself happy.
Because of this, I think I percieve any issue anyone has as a dramatic need for attention...even when it might not be.
Although I don't feel the need for attention myself, I am worried that my lack of compassion for anyone else is the start of a problem.
Any answers are welcome. Thank you.
Comments
Therapy. You need to go to therapy. A lack of compassion for others will lead you to a lonely future.
Doesn't seem like it to me ,although bear in mind I am not medical professional. I think that what you went through with your mom has changed you. Changed how you react and feel towards others and their issues. You have a distrust for strong emotion. Because you've seen someone fake it all of their life for attention.
Counseling might really be helpful. Help you get out how you feel about what your mother did and what she subjected you too as well. And then give you the tools to determine if someone else is being real or fake about their issues. And then determine an appropriate degree of reaction or action.
I have known two girls with this disorder which has helped me gain insight. It would take a lot more than a loss of compassion to make one narcissistic or even begin to be. I think it is something a person is born with and would be noticeable before the age of 44. If you don't crave attention, think you are right all the time, or have trouble passing a mirror without stopping to admire yourself, you are fine.
no, this isn't narcissism. you're just a skeptic, and dont trust others are telling the truth about their feelings. thats to be expected considering how your mom was. you just need to work on your sympathy, maybe do some trust exercises, try to help people with real problems. but you arn't narsissistic unless you put yourself ubove everything else, you just dont belive people's drama is a seriouse. your cold but not narsissitic.