The discard stage in the cycle of narcissistic abuse is when the narcissist either physically or emotionally abandons you.
The devaluing stage of narcissistic relationships leaves you feeling depleted, drained, exhausted, and a shell of your former self—not exactly a great source of narcissistic supply for the insatiable and ever-needy narcissist. Once the narcissist has sucked you dry, they inevitably go off in search of fresh new supply. They either physically leave, or they become emotionally cold, distant, and unavailable. It's as if you no longer exist, as if you never existed. This is brutal and leaves you in a state of shock, confusion, and despair. You gave everything, and this is what you get in return?
The discard phase is cruel, abusive, and often abrupt. You’re left wondering what you did wrong (nothing), what more you could have done (nothing), and what you should have done differently (again, nothing.)
See, for a narcissist, enough is never enough. Nothing you did or could ever do can fill their leaky bucket, the “hole in their soul.”
Please know this: There is life after narcissistic abuse. The next victim isn’t getting the love you were hoping for—for a narcissist, that kind of love is impossible. You now have the opportunity to heal your wounds and to head into a better future, one filled with the love you’re truly worthy of, not the pseudo-variety the narcissist has to offer to you or to anyone.