Isolation, in the context of abusive relationships, is the deliberate act of severing or severely limiting a person's connections with their support network, including friends, family, colleagues, and other potential sources of help or alternative perspectives. This tactic involves creating physical, emotional, or social barriers that prevent the victim from maintaining relationships outside of the abuser's control. Narcissists use isolation to cut off their victims from other people and sources of support so that they become less confident, more self-doubting, and increasingly reliant on the narcissist.
By isolating their victims, the narcissist ensures they have a monopoly on their time, energy, and attention and can insidiously control their interactions, activities, perceptions, and outside influences. The victim thus becomes increasingly emotionally and psychologically dependent upon the narcissist as they no longer have access to outside opinions, resources, validation, or support. This can leave the victim feeling helpless, hopeless, fearful, trapped, lost, confused-- and alone in their pain and confusion.
Narcissists may isolate their victims by:
Guilt-tripping them for spending time with others.
Criticizing or demeaning their family or friends.
Monitoring or limiting their communication with others.
Exerting financial control.
Making a geographical move away from the victim’s support system.
Inserting themselves into the victim’s relationships or activities.
Disparaging the victim to others.
Discouraging them from pursuing outside interests.
Recovery from narcissistic abuse involves reaching out and reestablishing relationships with supportive family and friends, as well as connecting with others who have been there.
Victims of narcissistic abuse need to know they’re not alone!